West Virginia University Extension Service faculty were honored for “making the best better” at the 2015 National Association of Extension 4-H Agents annual conference in Portland, Oregon.

The National Association of Extension 4-H Agents recognizes members for their 4-H and Extension work by presenting awards for outstanding accomplishments in leadership, service and communication each year. This year the association’s 69th annual conference was held Oct. 26-30 in Portland, Oregon.

According to WVU Extension Service McDowell County 4-H Agent Donald Reed, earning the awards showcases WVU Extension as a national leader in youth development programming.

“Our colleagues truly value the difference we’re making in our communities,” said Reed, who also serves as the Association’s regional director. “These awards are a reflection of that commitment.”

Northeast Regional Awards

Wayne County’s 4-H program received honors for involving youth in significant decision making roles that impact their local clubs. Honorees include Julie Tritz, WVU Extension Wayne County 4-H agent. 4-H’ers Ethan Cade, Collin Dodgion, Lucas Dodgion, Olivia Dodgion, Erin Ferry, Zoe Harold, Emily Hudson, Ashlee Smith and Zane Smith were also honored.

Boone County 4-H Agent Philip See won the Denise Miller Innovator award, given for innovation, accomplishment and commitment in the design and delivery of the county’s Lego Robotics program.

The award for Excellence in 4-H Club Support went to WVU’s Monongalia County 4-H Becca Fint-Clark; Sherry Swint, WVU’s Kanawha County 4-H agent; and Tritz.

The Healthy Living Programming Award for McDowell County’s Kids Koupon Project was given to WVU Extension’s Public Health Specialist Kristin McCartney; Health Educator Jennifer Graham; and McDowell County Agent Donald Reed and Health Educator Dana Lester.

The Communicator Award honors those who help spread the word about 4-H to the public. Honors went to Hampshire County 4-H Agent Kelly Hicks; Mineral County 4-H Agent Margaret Miltenberger; Cabell County 4-h Agent Nila Cobb; Raleigh County 4-H Agent Susan Gamble; Pocahontas County 4-H Agent Shirley Wilkins; Doddridge County Families and Health Agent Zona Hutson; Roane County 4-H Agent Shannon Cottrill; 4-H Curriculum Specialist Alicia Cassels; Summers County 4-H Agent Lesley Woodrum; and Nicholas County 4-H Agent Kimary McNeil.

WVU Extension’s Fayette County 4-H Agent Andrea Mender won in both the Personal Column and Individual Promotional Piece categories.

National Awards

McDowell County WVU Extension Agent Donald Reed won for Excellence in 4-H Camping.

Randolph County WVU Extension Agent Amanda Johnson and Hancock County Agent Carole Scheerbaum won Achievement in Service awards.

WVU Associate Dean of Partnerships and Initiatives Jennifer Williams and Wayne County Agent Julie Tritz were honored for Distinguished Service.

Margaret Miltenberger, WVU’s Mineral County 4-H agent, won a Meritorious Service award, chosen based on fifteen or more years of service in 4-H programs.

NAE4-HA is a globally recognized, culturally diverse network for 4-H youth development professionals.

For more than a century, 4-H has focused on agricultural science, electricity, mechanics, entrepreneurship and natural sciences. Today, 4-H out-of-school opportunities also exist in subjects like rocketry, robotics, biofuels, renewable energy and computer science.

To learn more about new opportunities in the 4-H program, visit www.ext.wvu.edu, or contact your local office of the WVU Extension Service.

-WVU-

11/16/15

CONTACT: Cassie Thomas, WVU Extension Service
304.293.4221, Cassie.Thomas@mail.wvu.edu

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