Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service family and community health agents and specialists were recognized for their outstanding services recently by the Texas Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, TEAFCS, at their annual meeting in Fredericksburg.
TEAFCS, a professional development agency, educates and recognizes AgriLife Extension agents who impact the quality of life for individuals, families and communities. The organization provides members the opportunity to develop and enhance their leadership and management skills by serving leadership positions on the state or national level.
Special recognition was given this year when the Friend of Extension Award was presented to the Plainview Kiwanis Club.
Other awards presented and AgriLife Extension agents, all family and community health agents unless otherwise noted, who were recognized are:
Distinguished Service Awards
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes AgriLife Extension family and community health agents for their leadership, outstanding programs and personal and professional growth. Recipients this year were Lynette Babcock in Palo Pinto County and Jennifer Trufan in Wilbarger County.
State-level awards and scholarships
Professional Development Scholarship — Heather Simpson, Better Living for Texans agent, Wichita County, and Brittany Martin, Collin County.
Curriculum Enrichment Award — Haley Cowley, Ward County.
Healthy Texas Non-BLT Award — Courtney Parrott, Brown County.
4-H and Youth Development Award — Jessica Faubion, Bandera County; Angela Fiedler, Kerr County; Shea Nebgen, Gillespie County; Jennifer Smith, 4-H and youth development agent, Kerr County; Kara Spangler, 4-H program assistant, Bandera County; and Hilary Putrite, program assistant, Kendall County.
Interdisciplinary Program Award — Shea Nebgen, Gillespie County; Elizabeth McMahon, horticulture agent, Gillespie County.
County Judge and Commissioners Award — Calhoun County Judge and Commissioners.
Multi-County Programming Award — Joanne Ureste-Armijo, Hidalgo County; Lilian Mezquida, Cameron County.
Healthy Texas BLT Award — Angelica Sifuentes, Webb County; Cynthia Covarrubias, Better Living for Texans agent, Webb County; and Aileen Sifuentes, Better Living for Texans agent, Webb County.
NEAFCS National, Southern Region and Texas Affiliate Awards
Program Excellence Through Research — Texas Affiliate Award winner and Southern Region Award 3rd place — Shawnte Clawson, Hale County.
Master FCS Volunteer Program Award — Texas Affiliate Award winner and Southern Region Award 2nd place — Brittany Martin, Collin County; Elizabeth Espie, Dallas County; Sarah Pisquiy, Better Living for Texans Agent, Dallas County; Cheryl Miller, Expanded Foods and Nutrition agent, Dallas County.
Excellence in Teamwork — National, Texas Affiliate and Southern Region 3rd place — Laura Graves, Lamar County; Meko Carder, Red River County; Brian Triplett, agriculture and natural resources agent, Bowie County; Debra Jones and the Red River Master Naturalist Chapter.
Excellence in Teamwork — Texas Affiliate Award winner — Feleshia Thompson, Shelby County; Eunice Buckner Cross, Rusk County; Louraiseal McDonald, Harrison County; Jheri-Lynn McSwain, Ph.D., 4-H and youth development specialist, District 5; Matt Garett, agriculture and natural resources agent, Harrison County; Kim Benton, horticulture agent, Cherokee County; Greg Grant, horticulture agent, Smith County, and Beth Derr, Master Gardener, Harrison County.
SNAP-ED/EFNEP Educational Program Award — Courtney Parrott and Wendy Hamilton, Better Living for Texans agent, both in Brown County.
Communications: Newsletter Award — Texas Affiliate Award winner — Andrea Brooks, Erath County
Human Development/Family Relationship — Texas Affiliate Award winner and Southern Region Award 3rd place — Andrea Brooks, Erath County; Melissa Griffin, Alzheimer’s Association; Subi Gandhi, Tarleton State University; Jennifer Edwards, Tarleton State University; and Dana Worrell, Texas Health Resources-Stephenville.
Extension Disaster Education Award — Texas Affiliate Award winner — Amy O’Brien Glenn, Eastland County.
Florence Hall Award — Texas Affiliate Award winner — Amy O’Brien Glenn.
Community Partnership Award — Texas Affiliate Award winner — Colleen Foleen, McLennan County; Ashley Cox, Somervell County; Madeline Makovy, 4-H and youth development, McLennan County; Jerod Meurer, McLennan County; and Chimere Clayton, Courtney Watson and Stephanie Maultsby, all with McLennan Community College.
Innovation in Programming Award — Texas Affiliate Award winner and Southern Region Award winner – Micah Holcombe, Bell County.
School Wellness Award — Texas Affiliate Award winner — Micah Holcombe, Bell County.
Social Media Education — Texas Affiliate Award winner — Courtney Mercer, Jackson County.
Early Childhood Care Training Award — Texas Affiliate Award winner and Southern Region Award winner — Joanne Ureste-Armijo, Hidalgo County, and Lilian Mezquida, Cameron County.
Family Health and Wellness Award — Texas Affiliate Award winner — Joanne Ureste-Armijo.
Master FCS Volunteer Award winner — National Award winner and Southern Region Award winner — Joanne Ureste-Armijo.
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