At Nebraska Extension’s annual conference, held virtually in November, several Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County staff earned statewide Extension awards!
• Chester I. Walters “Extra Mile” Award was presented to Extension Educator Karen Wobig. The Chester I. Walters “Extra Mile” Award is intended to recognize staff members who show evidence of “going beyond the call of duty” in carrying out the responsibilities of their particular assignment. As Unit Leader for Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County, Karen oversees the office of 30–40 staff members (interns join staff in summer). She was nominated by Administrative Services Officer Jenny DeBuhr who wrote, “Karen always goes above and beyond to work with everyone in the office and make sure things are going smoothly, which is no small task given how many people and areas there are to cover.”
• Excellence in Extension – Engagement team award was presented to the Growing Together Nebraska statewide team which included Extension Educator Emily Gratopp, Extension Educator Kristen Houska, Extension Associate Brie Frickenstein, Extension Assistant Kyleah Bowder, Extension Assistant Courtney Eitzmann, Extension Assistant Meredith Kuca, and Administrative Assistant Konnie Robertson. Extension staff increased access to healthy food by coordinating with Extension Master Gardener volunteers to grow produce to donate to local food distribution sites.
• Excellence in Extension – Impactful team award was presented to the Child Care Providers Virtual Professional Development statewide team which included Extension Educator Jaci Foged. This year, Extension staff presented professional development virtual trainings for childcare providers at no cost.
• Excellence in Extension – Diversity team award was presented to the Reaching One, Reaching All statewide team which included Extension Educator Jaci Foged. This team has been working on developing and presenting diversity and inclusion training and resources (see https://culturalcompetence.unl.edu).
• Excellence in Extension – Relevance team award was presented to the Ag Literacy Festivals statewide team which included Extension Assistant Calvin DeVries. Extension staff present Ag Literacy festivals across the state to teach 4th graders about farm to fork.