In October, 25 Iowa State University Extension staff were honored at the Iowa 4-H YouthFest professional development conference. Award recipients were recognized for their impact on local communities, accomplishments in their field and embodiment of the ISU 4-H mission.

The award ceremony was Oct. 30 in Ames as a part of the annual YouthFest conference, which brings together ISU Extension and Outreach staff from all over the state to celebrate the work they are doing and participate in workshops and educational opportunities in the field of 4-H youth development.

“It has truly been a privilege to facilitate this opportunity for colleagues, Extension council members and partners to nominate our 4-H staff across the state for special recognition,” said Brenda Allen, chair of the 4-H staff recognition committee. “This event provides an opportunity for all of us to learn about significant impacts our 4-H staff are making in their local communities and to celebrate those accomplishments.”

• The Achievement in Service Award was given to youth coordinators Jennifer Hulme of Tama County and Kelsey Spotts of Cerro Gordo County, and K-12 program coordinators Becky Rea of Allamakee County and Nate Weber of Clayton County. This award is presented to county staff with three or fewer years in the position who have made a difference for the Iowa 4-H program in that short time.

ACHIEVEMENT: Jennifer Hulme (left), Kelsey Spotts and Nate Weber receive the Iowa 4-H Achievement in Service award from program leader Andrea Nelson.

• The Distinguished Service Award was given to youth coordinators Amy Green of Washington County and Mary Taggs of Shelby County. This award is presented to county staff who have been in their position between four and 10 years, and have made a difference in their 4-H community.

• The Meritorious Service Award was given to youth coordinators Aleta Cochran of Dallas County, Michele Kelly of Fayette County and Jill Postma of Lyon County. This award is given to staff who have made a difference in their career of 11 or more years.

• The Youth Program Specialist Award was given to Nicole Hanson, State Clover Kids specialist. This award is given to youth program specialists for their effort to support county staff programing and for their overall achievement in the position.

• The Outstanding Team Award was given to the Healthy Living Summit Team (Brenda Spurgeon, Laura Liechty, Kim Kuester, Cherry Sandeen and Joy Westercamp) and the Iowa Dairy Story Team (Tammy Muller, Nate Weber, Angie Sperfslage, Michele Kelly, Morgan Bjerke, Becky Rea, Jaci Tweeten, Kelli Steinlage and Kendra Crooks). This award is given to recognize a team’s efforts to work together and address an identified need or to create a successful programing effort.

• The Visionary Award was given to Marion County program assistant Lauren Petersen for her work in creating the Animal Science Club for Marion County. This award is given to an individual or team that demonstrates an innovative programming effort, uses a different delivery method, includes a new avenue or partner or reaches a new audience.

To find out more about these individuals and the work they are doing for Iowa youth, contact their respective county ISU Extension offices by visiting the Iowa 4-H county offices webpage at extension.iastate.edu/countyservices.

Source: Iowa State University