The Kentucky Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (KAFCS) presented awards to individuals who have demonstrated excellence in family and consumer sciences at the recent KAFCS Annual meeting. Congratulations to the University of Kentucky School of Human Environmental Sciences students, staff, and alumni who received awards.
- New Achiever Award: Rachael Price, Grant County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences Education, received this award, honoring an active member in AAFCS that is a professional with at least three, but no more than eight years of service. The award recognizes members for their potential of achieving significance in or through family and consumer sciences. Rachael was hired as an Extension Agent for Mason County in 2013 after graduating from UK and transferred to serve as an agent in Grant County. She is currently the KAFCS State Treasurer and has been a strong leader in the organization. Rachael regularly attends the AAFCS meeting. This year, she will be considered for the New Achiever Award at the national level.
- Outstanding Student Award: Michaela Mineer, junior pursuing a double degree in family sciences and communications, was the recipient of the Outstanding Student Award. Michaela is an active member of the Student Unit of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences where she is the UKAFCS President. She is also serving as a College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Ambassador, is the President of the Phi Upsilon Omicron Iota Chapter, and is an active member of various other organizations on campus. Michaela has had internship experience with the Kentucky and national family and consumer science based student organization, Family, Career and Community Leadership of America, and is now serving on the National Leadership Training Team. She was honored with this award for her involvement in family and consumer sciences, her capacity to serve, and her goal of having a lifetime career in the field.
- Wiley Berger Award: Sarah Henry, alumnus and retired Associate Dean for the College of Human Environmental Sciences, was this year’s recipient of the Wiley Berger Award. This award recognizes an individual for their outstanding effort in a volunteer capacity to improve the public well-being. Sarah has been a member of the Home Economics Club, Phi Upsilon Omicron, Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Delta Kappa, and the Kentucky Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. She has contributed to the field of family and consumer sciences through her various positions around the state including Scott County High School, the Kentucky Department of Education, University of Kentucky, Morehead State, and the University of Louisville. Sarah was recognized for her dedication to the field and for her active post-retirement contributions to her community. She has been an active volunteer in her church and has embodied family and consumer sciences through her works. She will be considered at the national level for this award.
- Karen Davis Parker: Whitney Hilterbran, Scott County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, was honored as the Karen Davis Parker Outstanding Extension Agent. This award recognized her for professional involvement in family and consumer sciences and her “Healthy Holiday’s” workshop development. She developed a project centered on how to make cost effective healthy appetizers, decorations, and gifts during the holiday season. Through this project she took a bold step in revamping a local traditional holiday workshop into a creative workshop focused on instilling healthier habits.
Once again, congratulations to all the award recipients for fostering the standards of excellence and service in family and consumer sciences!
Photos by: Celeste Moore
Author: Michaela Mineer and Kim Henken
Terms: HES