NEWS

Iowa 4-H staff recognized by national 4-H professionals association

COURTESY OF IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION AND OUTREACH
Iowa 4-H professionals attend the annual NAE4-HYDP Conference Awards Banquet on Nov. 18, 2021.

Ames, Iowa — Several 4-H professionals with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach were recognized by the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals for their impactful contributions to Iowa youth.

Each year, award submissions are judged at the state, regional and national levels, and winners are announced at the annual NAE4-HYDP Conference. Regional and national awards were presented Nov. 18 at the annual NAE4-HYDP Conference in Memphis, Tennesee.

Regional awards

The following individuals and teams from Iowa received 2021 regional awards:

  • Communicator Award, Radio/Audio Program: Haley Jones, Melanie Oeltjenbruns
  • Specialty Award, Diversity and Inclusion – Expanding the 4-H Audience and Excellence in 4-H Club Support: Anindita Das, Ben Pullen, Nate Weber, Nichol Kleespies, Tiffany Berkenes, Shelly Ramus, Lisa Green
  • Specialty Award, Vibrant Clubs Publication Development Team and Distance Learning Club Support Committee: Brenda Allen, Madeleine Bretey, Gail Castillo, Clark Colby, Bonnie Dalager, Sarah Fiddelke, Ann Green, Jen Hargrove, Marisue Hartung, Samantha Hasper, Maya Hayslett, Andrea Hobson, Haley Jones, Kim Kuester, Laura Liechty, Shayla Lien, Jacki Luckstead, JD Otterbein, Amy Powell, Ben Pullen, Shelly Ramus, Cherry Sandeen, Abby Stanek, Cayla Taylor, Brenda Welch, Casey Wenstrand, Kate Yoder

National service awards

The following individuals and teams from Iowa received national service awards:

  • Three 4-H professionals received the Achievement in Service Award: Rachel Fishel, youth program specialist for Davis, Jefferson, Van Buren and Wapello counties; Marybeth Foster, previous strategies and systems manager; and Casey Wenstrand, previous youth program specialist for Adams, Union, Taylor, and Ringgold counties. The award is given to a youth development professional who has served more than two years but less than seven years and is actively engaged in extension youth programs.
  • Haley Jones, state civic engagement and leadership program specialist, received the Distinguished Service Award, given to a youth development professional who has served more than seven years and is actively engaged in extension youth programs.
  • Mike Anderson, state ag science program manager, received the Meritorious Service Award, given to a youth development professional who has served more than 15 years and has already been awarded the Distinguished Service Award.
  • Debbie Nistler, state 4-H program leader, and Kendra Crooks, youth program specialist for Allamakee, Chickasaw, Howard and Winneshiek counties, received the 25 Years of Service Award, given to a youth development professional who has served 25 years and is actively engaged in extension youth programs.

“Being a member of NAE4-HYDP provides members with a wealth of resources that enhance our programs and ourselves. I’m proud of the work our team has showcased and impact that they’ve made on the lives of so many of our Iowa youth,” said Nistler.