Florida 4-H Hall of Fame

Marie Nickels

Marie Nickels developed one of the largest and most active 4-H clubs in Dade County and her 4-H’ers participated in all events. She was a board member for the Dade County Youth Fair. When she moved to Escambia County and was very active in project work, fair participation and community service. She was chosen by the governor to be on the State Fair Board and was in charge of the County Exhibit Building at the state fairgrounds in Tampa. She loved going to camp every year and her knowledge was as boundless as her enthusiasm. Her kind and gentle nature was well known and everyone knew and loved “Grandma”  Nickels.  The 4-H Guide Dog Project was established when she submitted the idea while in Washington, D.C. for the “Salute to Excellence,” honoring volunteer leaders. Nickels said, “Working with 4-Hers gave me such satisfaction. Watching the children grow and learn made each day a blessing.”  Her daughter Mary McKeown and her son-in-law John are also being inducted into the 2002 Florida 4-H Hall of Fame.