Shirley Bond

    Extension Agent IV, County 4-H Coordinator

    Clearwater, FL

    Shirley was a ten year 4-H member in WV, with major projects in Foods & Nutrition, Food Preservation, Dairy and Leadership. While in college, she was a 4-H program assistant in Berkeley Co., WV. In 1967, she became a 4-H Agent in Grant & Pendleton Co. After a year, she transferred to Jefferson Co. until 1973. In Jefferson Co., Shirley organized WV Heritage Dance & Music Clubs that conducted workshops throughout the State. Shirley married in 1973 and moved to Dade County, FL, as a 4-H EFNEP & 4-H Agent. She served on a committee that organized FAE4-HA and was President in 1975-1977 and 1993-1994. She then worked in Pinellas Co. from 1975-1987 as the 4-H Program Leader.

    In the late 70′, Shirley began work with water, energy conservation and waste reduction designed for urban communities. She engaged with other youth agencies by offering educational summer and spring break programs and operating a mobile classroom. Shirley secured many grants for 4-H programs and staff – 29 4-H program assistants were hired through a federal grant. She completed her 35 year 4-H career in Hillsborough Co. working with youth at risk and urban programming. She secured grants for the 4-H Water Wise and 4-H Waste Reduction Program. Ag-Venture Program was a team effort with County Farm Bureau and the Florida State Fair to teach 3rd graders the importance of agriculture. After retirement, she is still a proud 4-H volunteer.

    Ten year WV 4-H member in Foods & Nutrition, Food Preservation, Dairy and Leadership. Held 4-H positions in Berkeley, Grant, Pendleton and Jefferson Counties, WV, and Dade, Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties, FL. Helped organize FAE4-HA.

    Quote

    The greatest rewards received from 4-H are in the successes of the members, volunteers, and staff that I worked with. Five former 4-H program assistants and one member have become 4-H Agents on a County or State level.

    The 4-H impacts on my life are numerous: accepting responsibility, being a team player, making group decisions, and working with people of all ages, races and backgrounds, the ease of public speaking and the importance of community service and citizenship.

    Through early exposure to 4-H, my career path was forever changed. I never considered 4-H as work, but a way of life to help people be the best they could be.

    My 4-H Story