Inducted 2007
Gene & Cordella LaRoe, have volunteered for Lake County 4-H since 1970.  The LaRoe’s continuous involvement with 4-H began as they were Lake County 4-H members: Gene was a member in Eustis; Cordella, in Tavares.  Each won a trip to 4-H National Congress and were active members practically their entire childhood.  After their graduation and marriage, they became 4-H leaders first in Alachua County, then Manatee and then finally back in Lake County.  Gene was influential in starting the Shooting Sports program in Lake County and continues his involvement of time and finances as this project area grows. Cordella is recognized most for her teaching skills, especially in the clothing construction projects.  Many 4-H’ers learned to sew under her care. Their current 4-H involvement continues at many different levels.  The LaRoe’s are working to make the newly organized Lake County 4-H Foundation a success.  Both are still involved with teaching youth. This couple is the epitome of lifelong 4-H volunteers.

Inducted 2002
 Barbara Eveland began her involvement with 4-H as a parent and volunteer when the 4-H club leader stepped down and the club was in danger of folding.  Eveland stepped up and took the reins.  She served as leader through the years her children were involved and continued to support Cassia club later with scholarships for camp. In 1993 she joined the Lake County Advisory Committee and was an active member until her retirement, when she decided to support 4-H  financially because other commitments kept her from attending meetings. Her legacy continues through the trust she and her husband set up to reward hard working 4-Hers with camp scholarships.

 Barbara Eveland’s dedication to children was evident through her involvement with 4-H. She formed, along with other concerned parents, a group that served as an advocate for the best interest of children in Lake  County schools. She constantly asked the school board to ask the question “Is this good for the children?” and even had a sign hung in the back of the meeting room so board members would be reminded of the children when making decisions. She also personally answered thank you notes from children her scholarship fund sent to camp. After her death, her husband Vern took on the role of answering the thank you notes. Vern Eveland said, “Her 4-H experience began as a mother taking our older children to 4-H and being a volunteer helper, very soon the club lost its leader and was in danger of collapse. Rather than risk losing Cassia Barbara became the new leader, beginning what became a lifetime of leading and helping 4-Hers in our community and Lake County while also mothering six and caring for home and husband.” 

Inducted 2002
As a teenager in 4-H Louise Cox made what she described as a “miserable” bib apron, but she improved her skills. She was later selected to attend State 4-H Short Course with honors in clothing, gardening, food preparation and poultry. As an adult she saw a need for 4-H club for girls and in 1945 she started one. Her club members participated in club, county, district, state and national events. Her favorite 4-H activity was 4-H summer camp where she also taught many children how to swim because she was as American Red Cross certifies swim instructor. “My few years as member showed me the opportunities available for others. When I became a leader I realized it was more than just being the leader. It was a learning time for me. A time to watch young girls and boys grow into worthwhile adults and a lifetime of friendships,” Cox said. A lifetime resident of Montverde, Cox has been an active member of the community and an employee of the postal service for more than 30 years. She has dedicated herself to serving the youth of Montverde for generation after generation.

July 26, 1914
February 12, 2006