TOMPKINS NAMED TO FLORIDA 4-H HALL OF FAME

The UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program and Florida 4-H Foundation are honored to announce the 2023 inductees to the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame. Betsy Barfield of Jeferson County, Todd Bundy of Gadsden and Leon Counties, William “Bill” Hill of Polk and Hernando Counties, Larry Middour of Orange County and Christopher Tompkins of Hillsborough County (posthumous).

The Induction Event will be held August 3 at the University of Florida Reitz Union.

Established in 2002 during the national 4-H centennial year, the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding 4-H alumni, volunteers, professionals and community leaders. Members have made significant contributions to 4-H and their community through accomplishments in the areas of citizenship, leadership, career and character.

Tompkins made a lasting impact on all who knew him. His legacy of leadership at a young age impacted the careers of many fellow 4-H youth. Scott Brooks, executive director of career, technical and adult education for Hillsborough County Public Schools, shares, “I am not sure if there has ever been a student more decorated than Christopher Tompkins. His drive to succeed I have not witnessed in any other; however, instead of focusing on all his awards, his real impact was his ability to elevate others and encourage them to grow personally.” Tompkins influenced Brooks’ own evolution from a shy, quiet kid to a state 4-H ofcer traveling the country, experiences that would impact his own career. This is a common testament from those who knew Tompkins.

During his junior year in high school he served as a Congressional Page, managing 4-H activities in both Florida and Washington, D.C. and being named the outstanding Republican Page both terms. As a student at the University of Florida, Tompkins continued to succeed and serve. He became UF’s first Truman Scholar, and in his final year of law school served as UF Student Government President, while also being Hillsborough County’s youngest elected ofcial.

One of Chris’ proudest achievements was being named the national 4-H winner in Citizenship and receiving a silver tray from the President of the United States.

“I can’t begin to express how grateful I am that Christopher has been selected for the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame. This was a wonderful surprise and I know he’d be thrilled. He absolutely was passionate about 4-H, and of course, the Florida Gators”, notes him mom, Betty Jo Tompkins. “Our family philosophy has always been: Always seek power to do, never power to be and let your spirit soar. That’s how we all felt about the Gator Nation and all that we were blessed to do.”

Following law school at UF, Tompkins worked with multiple elected ofcials before opening his own law practice in Brandon, Florida. Chris Tompkins passed away in 2005 at age 34 after a battle with leukemia. His legacy is marked by dedicated service, authentic leadership, and a firm belief in the importance of citizenship and community service.

Special thanks to 2023 Hall of Fame Sponsors Lewis, Longman, & Walker, PA and Friends of the Florida 4-H Foundation. Event and youth sponsorships are available.

Columns: YOU MATTER TO ME PROVIDES RELIEF FOR MIGRANT FAMILIES ACROSS AREA

“Your passion develops over time, but your curiosity is what leads you down a particular path,” said Barbara Howard, founder of You Matter to Me.

Curiosity is what drove Howard to learn more about the struggles migrant families face as they move throughout the year. This led Howard to create the organization You Matter to Me in the spring of 2022, focusing on supporting migrant students and their families who have come to the area for agricultural work. Howard said that a big reason she created You Matter to Me was to educate people on the migrant farming lifestyle.

“I saw a huge need in the migrant community, … but on the same side of the coin, it was to educate,” Howard said.

Two-hundred and sixteen volunteers participated in a variety of projects this year, including creating goody bags for Valentine’s Day, snack bags for spring break and transporting furniture to homes. Volunteer Sally Wanner recalled how excited migrant students were to receive the goods made for them.

“It’s very fun for me to see how excited they are to have these things,” said Wanner. Wanner has helped bring furniture and other goods to migrant families throughout the area, providing a sense of normalcy for them as they move from place to place with limited help. Maurena Rotering, another You Matter to Me volunteer, has participated in countless projects since its creation. She has sewn curtains, put together baskets and goody bags and donated clothing to

4-H is the youth development program of the land grant university system and Cooperative Extension System. Learn more at florida4h.org

By Ava Benedict

support families in need.

Volunteers are always needed, and one of the best projects for those who want to help are welcome bags, which contain necessities for moving migrant families. Toothbrushes, hair products and toilet paper are just some of the goods distributed through these bags. These bags make a huge impact on the lives of migrant families.

But it is not just those receiving help who have benefitted from the organization’s work. Ana Dans and her family donated toys and clothes to migrant students through the program, an experience that allowed Dans’ children to learn more about the challenges migrant families face. Both Wanner and Rotering agree that volunteering has improved their lives and provided them with an outlet to give back to those in need. For more information on You Matter to Me and how to get involved, visit its Facebook page at You Matter to Me - Lithia, FL.