An In-Depth Look at Long-term Volunteer Leaders of Sarasota 4-H
Amazing volunteers, leaders and parents make 4-H the organization it is today. Sarasota interviewed some of these incredible people who have had a great influence on 4-H. Don Strickland, Barbara Briggs, and June Haley all have had a great impact on the start-up and continued achievements of 4-H in Sarasota County.
Don Strickland
First working with Sarasota 4-H in 1976, Don Strickland was and continues to be an integral part of the organization to this day. He was the organizational leader for the RR 4-H. Established in 1972, the club focused on a variety of projects. This including livestock, sewing, photography, and public speaking. One of the main projects this club worked on over a number of years was to build 15 concrete reef balls. The goal was to send them into Sarasota waters to create habitats for marine life.
Don has accomplished a number of other impressive achievements during his time in Sarasota. He represented Florida at the National Livestock Symposium in 1987, was awarded Hall of Fame status for Sarasota County 4-H in 2002, and lead as chairman for Sarasota County 4-H Association from 2012-2017 and treasurer until 2019. Don and his wife Marlene have volunteer for almost 50 years. They celebrated the 50th anniversary of RR 4-H in 2023.
Barbara Briggs
Another influential person in Sarasota 4-H is Barbara Briggs. Barbara grew up in Kansas City where she joined her local 4-H as a kid, doing projects such as cooking and sewing. Barbara’s daughter followed in her footsteps and joined 4-H in Sarasota participating in the Action Clovers club. Wanting to continue her work in 4-H, Barbara started volunteering as a leader for the Action Clovers. She continues being a leader for over 35 years and was involved in the Action Clovers 2.0, RR4-H, 4-H Foundation for 25 years. She helped restart the Action Clovers 2.0, a club with children of the first Action Clovers club.
Barbara has lifelong friends that she made in 4-H. Barbara’s favorite part of volunteering was seeing kids look out for each other and help them develop important life skills. She noticed that as “the high school members take time to help teach and work with young members.” She was inducted into the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame on July 31, 2025 and we are so honored to have her as a Sarasota 4-H volunteer.
June Haley
June Haley grew up in Connecticut and started 4-H as a child. Her neighbor was a 4-H agent and got to know about the organization. June went to the University of Vermont where she studied Elementary Education. After moving to Sarasota and her son becoming involved in 4-H, she decided to become an assistant leader. She continued her involvement in 4-H after her son had aged out by becoming involved with the 4-H Foundation. June also restarted their club from the 1980s, Action Clovers 2.0, with two of her 4-H leader friends and the children of their 1980s members.
She has handed off leadership to the next generation of volunteers and continues to be a judge for 4-H project work and public speaking. One of the main things that June has seen 4-H do for not only her kid but all kids who go through 4-H is how much they develop important life skills. One of these skills specifically is public speaking. June mentioned how giving illustrated talks, presentations and demonstrations helped to build confidence and experience in those involved. Seeing kids bloom and be successful was one of June’s favorite parts of being a part of 4-H.
Sarasota is a special community that nurture’s wellbeing and fosters growth while pushing others to do their best. The volunteer, leaders and parents build an amazing support system for the kids, setting them up for success as they grow up and go off into the world. If you are interested in becoming involved in 4-H, whether as a parent, or volunteer leader, or judge check out our website with more information here!
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