The recent National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences annual session awarded many Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences extension agents. National and regional level awards were granted for their development of programs and methods of outreach that have improved quality of life for families residing in the state of Kentucky.

The following awards were given to Kentucky FCS agents:

  • Distinguished Service: This is the highest award given by the NEAFCS, recognizing members for leadership, educational program efforts, and professional development. The 2011 Kentucky recipients were Nellie Buchanan, Marsha O'Nan Parker, and Christine Duncan.
  • Continued Excellence: This award is only given to NEAFCS members who have previously received the Distinguished Service Award and are continuing to actively involve themselves in professional improvement. The 2011 Kentucky recipients were Stephanie Derifield, Martha Perkins, and Jill Harris.
  • Florence Hall: This award recognizes extension agents for their alertness to new concerns and interests of families and their planning and implementation of a beneficial program. Christy Nuetzman received third place in the southern region for her program "Truth and Consequences: The Choice is Yours."
  • Extension Housing Outreach: This award is presented to an exceptional housing educational program that is targeted to families or communities. Donna Fryman received first place in the southern region for her development of "Bed Bug! Have you seen this guy lately?".
  • ACI Clean Homes and Healthy Families: This award recognizes an innovative educational program that helps families and individual understand the link between clean and safe homes and good health. Laura Wilson received first place in the southern region for her series of programs and activities entitled "Helping Lyon County Families Be Healthier."
  • Communications-Written Press Releases: This award encourages excellence in communications by recognizing exceptional press releases written by NEAFCS members. LaDawn Hale's "Learn to Sew" Program was awarded second place in the southern region.
  • Communications-Television: This award encourages excellence in educational television and video programming. Betsy Ann Tracy received first place in the southern region and the nation for her television appearance entitled "Apples, Apples, Apples," encouraging viewers to cook with apples and to visit local orchards.
  • Communications-Educational Curriculum Packages: This award recognizes creative teaching packages. A teaching package includes a plan for education and evaluation as well as communication tools from at least two of the following categories: audio visual, written, exhibit, slides, transparencies, educational technology, or educational publication. Debra Cotterill and Brooke Jenkins received second place in the southern region for their development of "Top Trends in Kitchens and Baths: Kentucky Choices for 2010."
  • Communications-Educational Publications: This award is presented to the best educational publication, such as a fact sheet, brochure, bulletin, or poster, designed to inform and to encourage positive behavior. Brooke Jenkins and Debra Cotterill received second place in the southern region for their development of "Top Trends in Kitchens and Baths: Kentucky Choices for 2010."
  • Communications-Educational Technology: This award recognizes NEAFCS members who develop outstanding educational technology designed to support constructive behavior. Second place in the nation and first place in the southern region were awarded to Debra Cotterill and Brooke-Jenkins for "Top Trends in Kitchens and Baths: Kentucky Choices for 2010."
  • Community Partnerships: This award recognizes an NEAFCS member's effort to meet the needs of families by collaborating with agencies and consumers. Christy Nuetzman received first place for the nation and the southern region for her development of "Truth and Consequences: The Choice is Yours."

Congratulations to these agents for their commitment to the improvement of Kentucky!

Posted 10-25-11