October 20, 2004

Educators honored for 4-H and Youth development efforts

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Indiana Extension Educators Association on Tuesday (Oct. 19) honored four Purdue University 4-H Extension educators during its annual Extension conference.

Robert Allen, Extension educator in Clark County, received the IEEA Innovator Award for implementing the Hope Incorporated 4-H After-School Program. Allen partnered with Hope Inc. to organize an inner-city program to build self-esteem in youth at risk. This program helped 70 youths in the inner-city area to become 4-H members.

Amy Kelsay, Extension educator in Johnson County, was presented with the Bob Amick Award for developing the program 4-H Builds Character! Kelsay worked in a collaborative effort with other community agencies to address the needs of character education. She designed, developed and implemented a countywide character education campaign for 4-H that was taught concurrently by 4-H leaders, with six character traits being taught in the school system and within other youth agencies.

Pam Hess, Extension educator in Jackson County, received the IEEA Senior Award for her program titled Exploring the Food Pyramid with Professor Popcorn. With this program, Hess provided 189 third-grade students the opportunity to learn more about nutrition and the food pyramid. Participants learned the importance of eating a variety of foods, food safety and the benefits of an active lifestyle.

Maryanne Denisi, Extension educator in St. Joseph County, received the IEEA Career Award for her lifelong commitment to the 4-H and youth development program. Denisi has provided 4-H programs for bilingual low-income youth, summer transient migrant youth, the International Special Olympics youth and handicapped youth. She initiated "What's Cooking in 4-H" cookbook sales, television programs to promote 4-H, continuing education courses, the 4-H leaders conference and the 75th Indiana State Fair 4-H celebration.

Writer: Meggie Issler, (765) 494-8402, missler@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page

Note to Journalists: Photos will be available online by 5 p.m. today (Wednesday, Oct. 20)

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