AgriLife Extension family and community health agents earn honors
Awards spotlight innovative programming to improve lives across Texas
The National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, NEAFCS, and the Texas Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, TEAFCS, recently recognized Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service family and community health agents from across Texas.
Awards from both associations are presented to celebrate members for their efforts to build community partnerships, meet the educational needs and concerns of families, develop leadership, and deliver outstanding programs that foster personal and professional growth.
Awards presented during the annual conference in McAllen to individual family and community health agents and teams, along with information from their nominations, are as follows:
NEAFCS – Texas Affiliate Award winners
Communications — Newsletter Award
Cynthia Covarrubias, Aileen Sifuentes and Valeria Arredondo, all Better Living for Texans, Laredo.
The three agents created three distinct newsletters that share a common thread to emphasize the core areas of Better Living for Texans. Based on research and evidence-based information, the newsletters are directed to all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education, SNAP-ED, recipients.
Florence Hall Award
Natalie Snowden, Floyd County
Snowden created the Floyd County Safe Driving Expo, a program designed to educate teens on the dangers of distracted driving and driving under the influence. Through this initiative, Snowden empowered teens to understand that their choices matter — and that every decision behind the wheel can lead to lasting positive or negative consequences.
Community Partnership Award
Julie York, Upshur County; Louraiseal McDonald, Harrison County; and Clarissa Moon, Panola County
These agents were recognized for the partnership they developed between AgriLife Extension and Area Agency on Aging of East Texas to create increased confidence and a reduced fear of falling by the 73 participants in the A Matter of Balance program.
Distinguished Service Award
- Joanne Ureste Armijo, Prairie View Cooperative Extension
Ureste marked a decade of dedicated service, guided by the words of Steve Jobs, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” She consistently strives to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families in Hidalgo County. - Shea Nebgen, Gillespie County
Nebgen has built a distinguished career through a variety of excellent programs she has developed as well as the personal and professional growth she has achieved through AgriLife Extension. - Tonya Poncik, Lee County
A county agent in Lee County since 2002, Poncik’s efforts have focused on health and wellness, food safety, strengthening community partnerships and youth development.
Early Childhood Care Training Award
Caroline Cruz, Montgomery County; Ted Stevens, education director, and Jaden Kelly, program specialist, Texas A&M Forest Service, Conroe; and Jodi Nerren, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension specialist and assistant professor, Family and Community Health unit
The team was recognized for its Let’s Go Outside: Nature is Our Classroom! The Texas Tree-mendous Teachers initiative. The program uses trees as a gateway to explore the natural world, equipping early childhood educators with tools and strategies to connect young learners to nature through engaging, outdoor-based learning.
Excellence in Teamwork Award
Joanne Ureste Armijo
The Field to Fabric: A Youth Quilting Camp capitalized on South Texas’s rich agricultural heritage — particularly the prominence of cotton — to create a unique educational experience. By connecting youth to their local environment and the origins of the cotton fabric they were working with, the program deepened their understanding and appreciation of agriculture. It also included lessons on the history, production and pest management of cotton, blending agriculture, science and hands-on learning into an engaging and impactful experience.
Past Presidents’ New Professional Award
Sanci Hall, Better Living for Texans, Fort Worth
Hall, a U.S. Army combat veteran and AgriLife Extension agent, has empowered over 10,000 individuals with nutrition education through innovative programs and outreach — earning state and national recognition for improving health in Tarrant County.
Extension Disaster Education Award
Kaci Scott, Lynn County; Xane Reiter, Garza County; Julie Smith, Borden County; and Ronda White, Scurry County
The team’s work with Out of the Blue: Expect the Unexpected, a four-session program presented in Borden, Garza, Lynn, and Scurry counties, addressed preparing for natural disasters, handling emergencies, legalities, recordkeeping and end-of-life planning.
Environmental Education Award
Jennifer Herrera, Cameron County
Through Cameron County’s Texas Master Gardener BOO-tanical Fall Festival, Herrera offers family-friendly activities promoting gardening knowledge, sustainability and community engagement through workshops, plant clinics, gardening demonstrations, crafts, games and local partnerships.
School Wellness Award
Cynthia Covarrubias, Aileen Sifuentes and Valeria Arredondo, Laredo, and Angie Sifuentes, Webb County
This team helped Fasken Elementary and AgriLife Extension partner to improve nutrition and physical activity. Through gardening, interactive activities and family engagement, they achieved significant positive changes in student and family health habits, earning Healthy South Texas recognition.
Family Health and Wellness Award
Joanne Ureste Armijo; Lilian Mezquida, Cameron County; and Andrea Valdez, Ph.D., Healthy Texas program specialist, Weslaco
This team is recognized for their collaborative efforts with local community agencies to host the inaugural “Heart Strong Conference,” which assists community members in prioritizing their heart health and preventing heart disease.
Mary W Wells Memorial Award
Sanci Hall
With a collaboration of AgriLife Extension agent, senior 4-Her and an adult volunteer, Hall created Food and Nutrition: Clover Kids to help expand and grow the knowledge of Clover Kids in all things food and nutrition.
Innovation in Programming Award
Angelica Gutierrez, Bexar County
Gutierrez designed the Taste of Salsa workshop as a fun, hands-on learning experience to bring seniors and other community groups together. It offered an engaging and interactive way to promote healthier eating habits, demonstrating that making nutritious choices can be simple and enjoyable.
SNAP-ED/Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Educational Program, EFNEP, Award
Sanci Hall
Hall and the Better Living for Texans program in Tarrant County were recognized for their successful collaboration with the Junior Master Gardener program. Together, they implemented the Learn, Grow, Eat and Go! curriculum, reaching over 200 youth and promoting healthy habits, improved nutrition and increased physical activity.
Innovative Youth Programming Award
Joanne Ureste Armijo
Ureste’s “From Field to Fabric” initiative is designed to help youth understand the journey of cotton from farm to finished products. The program bridges the gap between agriculture and creativity by incorporating lessons on cotton cultivation, processing and pest management — bringing deeper meaning and context to the quilts participants created.
Program Excellence through Research Award
Shawnte Clawson, Hale County
Clawson is passionate about child passenger safety, knowing that proper car seat use can save lives. Through education, advocacy and strong community partnerships, she empowers families with the knowledge and tools needed to keep children safe and secure on every ride.
Social Media Education Award
AgriLife Extension in Tarrant County
The AgriLife Extension team in Tarrant County was recognized for outstanding use of dynamic social media to engage and inspire their community. Through a variety of media formats, milestone celebrations and interactive forums, they have cultivated a vibrant and connected online presence that encourages and supports residents.
TEAFCS State-only award winners
4-H and Youth Development Award
Megan Glidden, Aransas County, and Emilee Deforest, Calhoun County
AgriLife Extension agents from Calhoun and Aransas counties teamed up with Flats Worthy to host the 2024 Coastal Bend 4-H Marine Expo. Held in Rockport and Port Aransas, the camp welcomed 8th–12th-grade 4-H youth from Districts 9, 11 and 12 for hands-on learning in coastal and marine science. Partnering with local organizations and businesses, the event offered real-world insights into coastal careers.
Healthy Texas Non–Better Living for Texans
Angie Sifuentes
Sifuentes’ outstanding collaboration with United Independent School District’s L.B. Johnson High School Culinary Arts Department through the Cooking Well, Exploring Cultures program developed a partnership with the school’s Career and Technical Education Coalition. This innovative program introduced students to global cuisines, spices, herbs, vegetables and diverse cooking methods. Students explored and prepared dishes from cultures including Filipino, Mexican, Indian, Polish, Asian, Greek as well as Southern comfort food, gaining both culinary skills and cultural appreciation along the way.
Interdisciplinary Programming Award
Joanne Ureste Armijo; Vidal Saenz, agriculture and natural resources; Danielle Sekula, integrated pest management; and Brianna Gutierrez, 4-H and youth development, all Hidalgo County
Aimed at underserved youth ages 10-18, the team’s program taught practical skills like mending and garment-making while exploring the role of cotton in South Texas’s agricultural heritage. Youth learned from experts about cotton production, pest management and sustainability, gaining hands-on experience and exposure to the 4-H clothing and textiles project and broader 4-H opportunities — all supporting personal growth and expanded membership.
Curriculum Enrichment
Aileen Sifuentes, Cynthia Covarrubias, Angie Sifuentes and Valeria Arredondo
The team developed eight sets of “Explore Cards,” each containing 10 interactive cards focused on topics such as literacy, family engagement, nutrition, gardening and physical activity — plus additional hands-on activities. These sets are shared across various community locations, including public libraries, schools and community centers, expanding access to educational resources for families.
Multicounty Programming
Kaci Scott, Xane Reiter, Julie Smith and Ronda White
The team’s Out of the Blue: Navigating the Unexpected multisession program is designed to help individuals and families prepare for life’s unforeseen events — such as natural disasters, accidents, death and long-term care. Through expert-led sessions and the support of community partners, participants gained the knowledge, confidence and practical tools needed to face the unexpected with resilience and clarity.
Innovation in Texas Programming
Agents Sanci Hall, Alaina Woolsey and Christa DeStefano; Brittnay Meyer, horticulture; Robin Hall, EFNEP; nutrition education assistants Dolores Haley, Yahaira Lozano and Megan Lauderdale; teachers Lisa Saunders and Melanie Earley; and Tanica Bell, administrative assistant
This initiative empowered families in Tarrant County to grow their own food, improve their nutrition and combat obesity. Through hands-on gardening and nutrition education, participants gained better access to healthy foods — leading to long-term health benefits and positive lifestyle changes for both youth and adults.
Healthy Texas BLT– SNAP ED Award
Natalie Snowden
Walking Our Way to a Healthier Floyd County is a program focused on physical activity and nutritional education through implementation of Better Living for Texans programs like Balance Food and Play, Choose Healthy, Get the Facts, Walk and Talk – Rethink Your Drink, and Walk Across Texas. Through partnerships with Floydada Collegiate ISD and Lockney ISD, great strides have been made to improve health in Floyd County.
Special Recognition Awards
County Judges and Commissioners Award
Tarrant County Judge and Commissioners – Honorable Judge Tim O’Hare, Commissioners Roderick Miles Jr., Alisa Simmons, Matt Krause and Manny Ramirez
The Tarrant County Commissioners Court approved American Rescue Plan Act, ARPA, funds for AgriLife Extension’s Eat Well, Feel Well project, addressing food insecurity through nutrition and gardening. Over 1,000 youth and 90 adults saw positive behavior changes in the program’s first year.
Friend of Extension Award
Dana Harper, adult services librarian, Watauga
Harper has been a committed partner of AgriLife Extension for over three years, championing healthy living programs at the Watauga Public Library. As a member of the Better Living for Texans Program Area Committee, she helped host five series and other health initiatives, including Alzheimer’s education. Her dedication makes her a true health advocate for Tarrant County.
Extension Support Staff Award
Cathy Banda, county office manager
Banda’s 23 years of service to the AgriLife Extension program in Hale County have been truly transformative. Her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of families aligns beautifully with the mission of family and community health. From the start, Banda has played a vital role in building school and community relationships, supporting program success, and championing health and wellness efforts. With deep compassion, a collaborative spirit and a heart for service, she has made a lasting impact in Hale County.
