07-30-97 U.S. Sugar Named To Florida 4-H Golden Circle Of Friends

By: Ami Neiberger                       
Florida 4-H Youth Development Program        
(352) 846-0996 ext. 231                 

GAINESVILLE---The U.S. Sugar Corporation has been named to the 4-H Golden 
Circle of Friends for its support of environmental education. Mike Richards, 
president of the Florida 4-H Foundation, presented the award to Andy Rackley, 
the director of corporate affairs and grower relations, during ceremonies at 
the annual Florida 4-H Congress hosted by the University of Florida's 
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences in Gainesville this week.

"We consider 4-H clubs to be an investment in the future," said Rackley as he 
accepted the award before 500 youth delegates at Florida 4-H Congress, who 
gave him a standing ovation. The Golden Circle of Friends is a prestigious 
honor for those who show a visionary commitment to the Florida 4-H Youth 
Development Program. Previous recipients include Tropicana, Chevron USA, and 
the Selph Family. The 4-H Youth Development Program is part of the UF/IFAS
Cooperative Extension Service. More than 285,000 youth ages 5 through 18 are 
involved in the 4-H program around the state.

"We are very pleased to present this award to the U.S. Sugar Corporation," 
said Nadine Hackler, the acting assistant dean for the Florida 4-H Youth 
Development Program. "Our county 4-H agents needed more environmental education 
materials to support youth programming. Sustained support from U.S. Sugar 
enabled us to develop curriculum in several subject areas. U.S. Sugar is
a very special friend to the 4-H Youth Development Program."

Seven years ago, the U.S. Sugar Corporation donated funds to 4-H for 
environmental education curriculum development for young people. Titles like 
Earth Connections, Recycling Adventures, Energy Encounters, Water Wise Guys 
and Aquatic/Marine Ecosystems were the result. With special guides for leaders, 
take-home pieces for youth, and plenty of hands-on activities, the materials 
were a success. 

"The curriculum helps kids learn the basics of how ecosystems operate," said 
Jerry Culen, an assistant professor and youth development specialist in the 
UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences. "It helps them 
understand the relationships and interactions between humans and their 
environment."

"The hands-on activities are the most important part of the program," said 
Culen. "They take water samples, simulate soil erosion, discuss recycling and 
study freshwater and marine creatures. There's something in the material for 
everyone, no matter what their interest."

The curriculum was awarded the Governor's Award for Environmental Education in 
1993. Nearly 2,000 volunteer and teacher instruction notebooks have been 
distributed through Florida Cooperative Extension Service programs and through 
sales to educators. The materials are being used in 59 of Florida's 67 
counties, in 22 states, and in five countries outside the U.S. 

The U.S. Sugar Corporation has continued its partnership with the Florida 4-H 
Youth Development Program over the years. Members of the company have served 
on the Florida 4-H Foundation Board of Directors and have been active in 
securing additional funding for the program.

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Editor's Note: Photo available; please call Tom Wright or Milt Putnam at 
(352) 392-1773.