The Florida 4-H Foundation awards scholarships for senior and young alumni 4-H members. Scholarships are possible with generous support honoring alumni, volunteers, Extension professionals and friends of the UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program. We kick off the 2020 Florida 4-H Scholarship Spotlight series with the Terry Floyd Memorial Scholarship. Created by 4-H members and alumni, the scholarship honors his unwavering commitment to 4-H’ers.

Lester C. “Terry” Floyd Jr. grew up on a farm in Jacksonville. He joined a local 4-H club, learning to raise and show cattle and pigs. At 10 years old he started going to 4-H camp and simply never stopped going, recounts his wife, Marsha Floyd. Terry carried his passion for 4-H into his 29 year career with UF/IFAS Extension Orange County, training volunteers, mentoring youth statewide and developing programs with nationwide impacts. Terry believed deeply in the power of young people.

“Extension programs encourage youth to continue learning and involvement in order to be effective members of families, communities and society.” – Terry Floyd

Terry was inducted in 2002 as an inaugural member of the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame in recognition of his lifelong dedication to 4-H. Additionally, Walt Disney World as well as the Florida and National Associations of Extension 4-H Agents recognized his innovative methods and excellence.

Recently, the Orange County 4-H Association made an additional gift to increase the endowment and permanently fund three annual scholarships. Association President Doug Meyers served as a 4-H volunteer under Terry. It was Terry’s ability to encourage volunteers that drew Doug to support his efforts in developing youth in Orange County and throughout the entire state of Florida.

Doug shared two things he will never forget Terry saying to him, “your role as a leader is to make sure the youth are supported, and my role is to deal with the issues.” And when he shared the scholarship with Terry before he passed, Terry said, “Doug, I would not change a thing – I like it the way it is.” The association continues to honor Terry by passionately supporting 4-H’ers in their educational pursuits.

“One of Terry’s goals was to see all youth pursue higher education. Sharing his vision, it became my mission as a 4-H youth development professional to make his legacy known and honored. This includes increasing the sustainability of the scholarship for years to come,” shares 4-H agent Elver Pardo.

Two awards are available for Orange County 4-H’ers and one statewide award. 4-H Senior Portfolios for scholarships are due June 1; interviews and announcements will be during July’s 4-H University program. 4-H members can view more information about the scholarship and portfolio process here.

You can view the full list of Florida 4-H scholarships here. If you are interested in supporting an existing scholarship, creating a new scholarship or impacting Florida’s youth through 4-H, please contact Caylin Hilton at grow4H@ifas.ufl.edu or 352.392.5432.

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