University of Florida

Sen. Bill Nelson inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame

by Shaumond Scott U.S. Senator Bill Nelson

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Florida 4-H alumnus and longtime supporter, was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame on Friday, Oct. 9, 2009 at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Md. 

Bill Couch, legislative aide to the senator, will attend the event on his behalf.

“Senator Nelson remains an excellent role model for all 4-H youth,” said Marilyn Norman, state leader for the Florida 4-H program. “We’re honored that he’s being inducted the same year we’re celebrating the 100th anniversary of our 4-H program in Florida.”

Nelson said he gained workforce preparation in 4-H:  “Florida 4-H provided me with an early training in government and politics.  The 4-H experiences I gained had a tremendous impact on my life and greatly inspired me to develop my leadership skills and become personally involved in our government.  I am a much stronger and better person because of the many positive experiences I had in 4-H.”

Nelson’s experience includes more than 30 years of public service.  He’s served in the Florida legislature, on the Florida Cabinet as treasurer, insurance commissioner and state fire marshal; and, was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000.  One of his career accomplishments is serving as a payload specialist aboard the space shuttle Columbia.

While involved in Florida 4-H, Nelson was elected to several positions on the State Council, including treasurer, vice president and president.  He won the 4-H/Tropicana Public Speaking Contest and was awarded trips to attend the National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C.

The National 4-H Hall of Fame was created in 2002 as a 4-H centennial project by the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents, National 4-H Council and National 4-H  Headquarters.  To view more National 4-H Hall of Fame laureates visit www.nae4ha.org/hof.