Nettie Ruth Brown 4-H Scholarship Endowment
Ltr: Provide scholarship awards to former FL 4-H Club members who have distinguished themselves scholastically and through meritorious service with Florida 4-H.
“Today’s young people need what 4-H has to offer just as much as any before them.” – Ms. Nettie Ruth Brown, Florida 4-H Hall of Fame Member
A beloved 4-H agent in St. Johns County, Ms. Nettie Ruth Brown impacted generations of young people, and her legacy reverberates in so many lives. During her lifetime, Ms. Nettie Ruth established this endowment to provide 4-H youth with scholarships to fuel their educational pursuits. The award is presented annually at 4-H University in Gainesville.
Brown started her 33-year professional career as a 4-H home demonstration agent in McMinn County, TN. After eight years she moved to St. Augustine, FL to be the home economics Agent for St. Johns County. She would go on to serve as County Extension Director for two years, and a term in 1975 as president of the National Association of Extension Home Economists. In 1978 she became the county’s 4-H coordinator until her retirement in 1985. In her retirement, she remained engaged with 4-H and a number of civic organizations.
Under her direction, Brown’s 4-H members won many state and national awards in public speaking and horticulture demonstrations. She was the author of several publications for 4-H members on public speaking, demonstrations, clothing for teenagers, and table setting contests. She also developed projects and workbooks for the Florida Cowbells Association – now the Florida CattleWomen’s Association.
