Clark receives Superior Service Award from AgriLife Extension
Writer: Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259, b-fannin@tamu.edu
BRYAN – Kristen Greer Clark has received a Superior Service Award from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in the county agent category.
Superior Service Awards recognize AgriLife Extension faculty and staff members who provide outstanding performance in Extension education or other outstanding service to the organization and to Texans.
The award was presented Jan. 12 during the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Conference awards dinner at the Brazos Expo Center in Bryan.
Clark was nominated for the award for her leadership, development and successful implementation of numerous programs in youth agricultural literacy, youth leadership and the fundamentals of the animal agriculture industry.
According to the award nomination, her “compassion, commitment to the agent delivery system and hard work have made a positive impact on adults, the 4-H program and the community of Johnson County. Her dedication to AgriLife Extension and its mission identify Kristin Greer Clark as a very worthy candidate for a county agent Superior Service Award.”
Highlights of her program’s accomplishments include the Johnson County Pizza Ranch, a curriculum which teaches fourth grade students agricultural awareness through sessions designed around major agricultural commodities used in pizza. According to the award nomination, 1,227 youth have participated in the Pizza Ranch Ag Day since 2010, and 100 youth and adults volunteer annually to implement programs. Of the 667 pre-tests delivered with 650 post-tests returned, 89.7 percent of youth participants increased knowledge concerning agriculture affecting their life everyday, while 74.8 percent of participants learned that agriculture is more than food.
Another area recognized was 4-H livestock project education. An emphasis to increase participation was requested by the Johnson County 4-H Livestock Project Coalition. Of the eight local 4-H and FFA show clinics along with the District 8 Holiday Classic Show Clinic, 474 youth were reached in two years. Feeding and nutrition, daily care and exercise, show day preparation and evaluating livestock were some of the topics covered, according to the award nomination.
“The agency is very fortunate to have her leading and shaping the minds of young people through the 4-H Youth Development Program,” said Dr. Chris Boleman, assistant director and Texas 4-H program leader.
Dr. Doug Hawkins, Johnson County 4-H parent/leader, said Clark “goes above and beyond the word service when it applies to the aforementioned programs. Her professionalism and organizational skills are second to none, but most importantly is her commitment to the youth of Johnson County and her service to the community.”
