Florida 4-H News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                     

Frank E. Sullivan Elected To Florida 4-H Hall of Fame

By: Laura Lok                                                                                       
Public Relations Coordinator                                                                   
Phone: (352) 846-0996, ext. 237                                                              

Contact: Lane Jimision
Florida 4-H Foundation, Inc.
Phone: (352) 846-0996, ext. 238

GAINESVILLE — Frank E. Sullivan, a committed and dedicated youth leader for over 40 years, has been elected to the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame. Sullivan was one of five individuals to be inducted in 2006 at ceremonies held on July 27 at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Sullivan has demonstrated a strong commitment to 4-H youth development in Brevard County throughout his adult life. He has given thousands of volunteer hours to the County Extension Program in 4-H, Wuesthoff Hospital, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Farm Bureau, Agriculture Agencies, Gift Fruit Shippers, Farm Credit Service and the County Fair Board.

His nominator, Dr. Robert Anderson, has worked under Sullivan’s leadership on a number of projects including the Brevard County 4-H Foundation.  “Frank helped raise thousands of dollars for 4-Hers by serving as chairman of the annual 4-H golf tournament committee and high school rodeo,” said Anderson. These funds are used to assist 4-Hers with opportunities to participate in 4-H Congress, Legislature, camps and other events.”

Sullivan just does it for the kids.  “I do all of this for the kids to help them grow and learn,” said Sullivan.

He also donates his time to 4-H by helping with the Annual 4-H Market Hog Show and Sale.  He works in the show ring supporting and assisting the youth exhibitors during the shows and sales.   

After a tour of duty in the U.S. Army, Sullivan became involved in the family operated Sullivan Victory Groves citrus growing and packing business, which he continues to operate today. Through his generous heart, he has graciously donated citrus fruit/juice for various county 4-H events, Farm City Days, and his rotary club’s senior citizen Christmas dinner.

“As Extension Agents, we continually called on Frank for fresh oranges and juice for our 4-H activities and events,” said J. Lowell Loadholtz, Brevard County Extension Director Emeritus.  “He always graciously supplied us with whatever we ask for.”

Sullivan has been married for 39 years to his wife, Jeanette.  They have three daughters, Teresa, Mary Pat and Sally Ann who is deceased.  They also have six grandchildren.

The Florida 4-H Hall of Fame was established in 2002 to coincide with the 100^th Anniversary Celebration of the 4-H Program.  It currently contains the names of 117 inductees honored for their service and dedication to the Florida 4-H.  One hundred individuals, living and deceased, became charter members during the 2002 founding.  Florida 4-H is the youth development component of the University of Florida’s IFAS Cooperative Extension Service currently serving 241,000 youth statewide and over 60 million alumni nationwide. 

The four other 2006 inductees are; H. Fred Dietrich, III of Orange County, Earl Ray Gill of Hardee County, Gladys Freeman of Okeechobee County and Marjorie Modesky of Duval County.

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