Florida 4-H Hall of Fame

Marylou W. Shirar

Marylou W. Shirar grew up in Indiana where she was a 10-year 4-H club member. Her first job after college was as a home economics teacher and she was able to stay very active in 4-H programs as a judge and consultant. In 1958 she became an extension agent in Hardee County before moving to Palm Beach County a year later.  In south Florida she hosted a local NBC program called South Florida Almanac for 18 years while also serving on statewide planning and policy committees for 4-H. She served as president and vice president of the Association for Extension 4-H Agents, and assisted in hosting the national meeting in 1981. Her work in Palm Beach County was always creative and useful to 4-H volunteers and youth. She worked extensively to initiate a school enrichment program involving many disciplines. Local schools had more than 20 choices of classes, and program assistants were hired to teach and support these programs. Shirar and her extension staff developed a number of project books including “Adopt a Tree” and “Flower Arranging.” Her TV program made it possible for the community to know about 4-H and other extension efforts. Upon retirement she continued to participate in 4-H events as a judge, resource volunteer and recruiter. Shirar, who is known for her energy and creativity, said, “ Little did an eight year old girl who made an apron and hemmed a tea towel in a 4-H project realize that this was a foundation stone for her life.”