Florida 4-H Hall of Fame

Emily E. King

Emily E. King is a long time friend of 4-H and has served both 4-H and extension in many roles from volunteer to assistant county home demonstration agent, State 4-H Girls Club Agent, Extension Specialist with the College of Home Economics Faculty at Florida State University and as the Extension Program and Evaluation Specialist at the University of Florida. She helped set in motion planning when boys and girls clubs were combined in 1963, and her hard work and foresight made it a much smoother transition from two programs to one. King gave major leadership to the development of the Florida 4-H Foundation by working with donors, sponsors and other colleagues. She also served as its first secretary for two years. King consistently continues to assist with judging events, achievement days and other special 4-H activities. As an assistant agent she found ways to encourage and help many 4-Hers achieve their potential. She instilled in 4-H'ers a sense of worth, and the desire to seek and accomplish dreams, according to one of her former 4-H'ers. "The idea of extension is one of the greatest concepts to enter the mind of man. It's missionary work not related to religion. Anytime you help and support others you enrich your own life," King said. Retiring has not put her out of touch with 4-H; it is always in her heart.