On March 27, the Alpha Kappa Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi presented professional and programmatic awards and recognitions. The recipients included seven Family and Consumer Sciences Extension professionals.
Dr. Laura Stephenson, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Field Programs, received the State Distinguished Service Award. During her 25 year career with Kentucky Cooperative Extension, Dr. Stephenson has skillfully and successfully progressed through the ranks, providing visionary leadership, outstanding service and quality educational programming. Dr. Stephenson is a strong advocate for programming targeted to individual and community needs, and values quality program evaluation. She is recognized as an outstanding fiscal manager, encouraging and supportive mentor and dedicated leader.
Laura Stephenson and Dana Anderson, Epsilon Sigma Phi President
The Honorable Rita Smart, State Representative for Kentucky’s 81st District, received the Outstanding Retiree Service Award. Representative Smart served as Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent for 35 years before retiring in 2005. She is currently serving her second term in the Kentucky House of Representatives where she is a member of the Agriculture, Local Government, Military Affairs and Education committees. Representative Smart is active in Richmond and Madison County, serving on a number of councils and boards. She and her husband, Richard, own and operate The Bennett House Bed and Breakfast in Richmond.
Dana Anderson, ESP President, Representative Rita Smart, and Steve Howerton, ESP Retiree Chair
Martha Perkins, Bath County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, together with colleagues Gary Hamilton, Bath County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources and Terence Clemons, Bath County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development, received the Program Achievement County Team Award. The award was in recognition for Bath County’s Food and Fitness Day Camp for 3rd through 6th graders. The event included activities focused on physical activity, etiquette, food safety, and understanding the food system.
Pam York, Russell County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, Kelli Bonifer, Adair County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, and Margie Hernandez, Russell County SNAP-ED Program Assistant received the Program Achievement Multi-County Team Award. The trio was recognized for their work with the Plate It Up Kentucky Proud weekly television program produced by Duo County Telecom. The weekly program features recipes utilizing locally grown fruits, vegetables, and meats and locally-produced value-added food products.
Pat Margolis, Hart County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, and Amber Huffman, Hart County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development received the Program Achievement Team Award for National Initiative Programming. The award was presented for their work implementing the Truth and Consequences: The Choice is Yours drug and alcohol prevention and awareness program at Hart County High School.
Congratulations to all of the award recipients!