Retired Sarasota judge named to Florida 4-H Hall of Fame

Barbara Briggs, a retired judge for the 12th Judicial Circuit Court and longtime Sarasota County 4-H volunteer, was recently selected for induction into the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame.

Briggs has been volunteering with Florida 4-H in Sarasota County for more than 35 years. She became actively involved with Sarasota 4-H and the Action Clovers club with her own children. Briggs continues to volunteer and has been instrumental in restarting the Sarasota County 4-H club, seeing a new generation of 4-H’ers grow up in Action Clovers 2.0.

“Barbara approaches her volunteerism with a willingness to serve, dedication and kindness to all,” said Sarah Davis, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County 4-H youth development agent.

As a lifelong 4-H’er, Briggs has been involved in all aspects – youth member, leader, mentor, foundation member and overall volunteer in any role needed. She began her journey with 4-H in Kansas City, Missouri, learning about cooking and sewing. She graduated from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and served as a judge for 18 years – but she never forgot her 4-H roots, often teaching youth about parliamentary procedure and public speaking.

“Barbara is an exemplary model to our entire community – not just 4-H – of what it looks like to live a life dedicated to citizenship, leadership and character,” said Ashley Worsham, co-leader of Sarasota County 4-H Action Clovers 2.0. “She was funny and engaging, but it was also evident that she loved the youth and was there to support them. She is the very best example of what it means to be a 4-H alumna, 4-H parent and 4-H volunteer.”

Briggs was active in the Sarasota County 4-H Foundation for 25 years to support youth attending events and college scholarships for graduating seniors. She has advocated for her 4-H club in Tallahassee, organizing 4-H Day at Capitol visits. Her efforts have prepared generations of Sarasota County youth for life beyond 4-H.

Briggs will be one of six inductees honored at a ceremony on July 31 at the University of Florida’s campus in Gainesville.

Submitted by Brad Buck

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Retired Sarasota judge named to Florida 4-H Hall of Fame