Florida 4-H Hall of Fame

Willie Haas

Willie Haas has given her time unselfishly to 4-H for 82 years, as a 4-H club member then as a volunteer. Her ongoing commitment to excellence and her voluntary spirit are what make her a person of exemplary caliber. During these years of voluntary service in Suwannee County she has touched the lives of literally thousands of young people. Haas has contributed to their development of leadership skills, citizenship roles, and volunteer service through the McAplin 4-H club. Her influence in the lives of 4-Hers shows as they enroll their children and grandchildren in the 4-H program. Her dedication to the ideals and philosophies of 4-H have been an inspiration to other leaders. It also compels parents to expect commitment to 4-H obligations. Haas said “What I enjoy is the satisfaction of seeing little ten-year-olds that were shy and backward  and seeing in two or three years how far they have come and be able to make a speech before 100 or more people. I get great satisfaction in what they have been able to do as adults.” She served on the Rural America Development Council, helped at nursing homes, and helped with the publication of Suwannee County’s history book.  Currently she is the chair for public information for the Association for Family and Community Educators, an association she has been a member of for 68 years.