In Dutch, the term used for an extension agent is “Voorlichting,” which means “lighting the path.” This is what Betsy Ann Tracy and Sally Mineer, University of Kentucky FCS Extension agents, have done for their respective communities, and why they were honored by the Kentucky Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (KAFCS).
Betsy Ann Tracy received the KAFCS New Achiever Award for 2009. This award honors any FCS professional who has 3-8 years of service and is an active AAFCS member. Tracy has been the agent for Warren County since 2005 and has demonstrated a strong willingness to serve in leadership capacities in the western district as well as at the state level. She works with a variety of programs, including Get Moving Warren County and Get Moving in the Classroom, the Extension Homemakers Association, the Food Education and Allergy Support Team, and the Mammoth Cave Area Extension Association, of which she is president. She also hosts a weekly television program called “Farm and Home Show,” which is broadcast in a 41-county area and was recognized with the 2008 National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Southern Region 1st Place Communications Award for Television.
Sally Mineer, Lewis County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, was awarded the KAFCS Leader Award. Mineer has been active in AAFCS/KAFCS for 20 years and has served as KAFCS President, Treasurer, and Vice President of Service. She is a member of the Eastern District where she has served as Newsletter Chair, Treasurer, Vice President and President. She is an active member of the Kentucky Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences as well as the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. Mineer is active in the tourism industry and arts in Lewis County, and also delivers programs focused on improved health and nutrition. She is currently serving as president-elect of KEAFCS. She has received the KAFCS New Achiever Award, Epsilon Sigma Early Career Award, KEAFCS Pride of Kentucky Award, and the NEAFCS Distinguished Service Award.
This year’s KAFCS meeting celebrated 100 years of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). AAFCS is the only nationally recognized organization that fosters collaboration between Cooperative Extension agents, K-12 teachers, university professors, and other professionals in an effort to improve the quality of life for individuals and families. All outreach is done at the local level in an effort to bring research-based education to the average citizen. KAFCS Leader Awards identify and honor any family and consumer sciences professional who have made significant contributions to the profession and the association through their involvement with AAFCS.