Assistant State 4-H Program Leader and Interim State 4-H Program Leader (retired)
Waihee, Maui, Hawaii
During her time as a 4-H specialist, her Honolulu district led the state in 4-H numbers, program involvement and leadership achievement. Helene also was the prime mover in establishing the Hawaii 4-H Alumni Association in 1983, a non-profit organization that annually provides monetary support for Hawaii’s delegation to the National 4-H Congress, the National 4-H Conference and the Hawaii State 4-H Conference. She also led a successful fundraising effort that raised more than $500,000 to fund endowments for both the Hawaii 4-H Foundation and the Hawaii 4-H Alumni Association – this Association now provides travel assistance each year for selected Hawaii 4-H members who otherwise could not afford to attend these awarded 4-H activities. She continues to serve as a director of both organizations.
In 1992, Helene launched and served as editor of the first edition of “For a Lifetime,” a glossy, high-quality annual magazine about 4-H in Hawaii that was instrumental in marketing and donor development of the Hawaii 4-H program. In 2008, Helene also wrote the definitive history of the Hawaii 4-H Program that started in 1918; this documentation is now part of a 300-page book entitled “Hawaii’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources: Celebrating 100 Years.”
Quote
“4-H opened my eyes to the many opportunities that life has to offer. I am forever indebted to the leaders who showed me how to run a meeting, how to do successful projects and how to lead others. For me, the motto ‘For a Lifetime’ is very real, and I have tried to instill that purpose in all of my work. I continue to believe that 4-H’s focus on learning by doing has a role in the maturation of every young person. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to dedicate my life’s work to this ideal.”
My 4-H Story
Helene Zeug accepting from Hawaii 4-H alum, Ellison Onizuka, a 4-H flag that flew in Earth’s orbit on the Space Shuttle Discovery in January of 1985. Onizuka was one of the seven astronauts lost in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986. In 2020, Ellison would become the first National 4-H Hall of Fame laureate from Hawaii. Helene is now the second HOF laureate from Hawaii.
Helene (in the light colored dress) as a Hawaii 4-H delegate to the 1960 National 4-H Conference in Washington D.C.
Jon Hagen, Hawaii 4-H Foundation President, and Robert Pfeiffer, Chairman and CEO of Alexander and Baldwin, and
Helene Zeug accepting a donation to the Hawaii 4-H Foundation. Resource development was one of Helene’s strong
points as a state 4-H staff member. She was responsible for more than $500,000 in gifts to support the Hawaii 4-H
program from just one donor.
Honors & Activities
Helene Zueg has received many accolades and recognitions, both locally and nationally.
Joined the Waihee Girls 4-H club at age 9 and became a junior leader and club leader.
Delegate to the National 4-H Conference and National 4-H Congress.
University of Hawaii Collegiate 4-H club president.
