October 20, 2004

Four educators garner Leadership and Community awards

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Indiana Extension Educators Association on Tuesday (Oct. 19) recognized four Purdue University Extension educators for leadership and community development during the annual Extension conference.

Tom Springstun, Extension educator in Scott County, received the IEEA Innovator Award for his development of Saving the Environment Saves $$, a program teaching local residents the importance of recycling. Springstun offered information on how to properly prepare bottles, cans and other items for recycling. He also coordinated spring and fall recycling events for harder-to-recycle items such as Freon-containing appliances, tires, car batteries and mercury.

George Okantey, Extension educator in Marion County, was honored with the IEEA Junior Award for implementing a program titled Developing Lifelong Patterns of Responsibility and Good Credit. Okantey collaborated with Arlington, Ben Davis and Pike high schools in Marion County to provide seniors with practical financial skills and competencies to help them make informed decisions and choices regarding financial goal setting, values regarding money, sound financial decision making, investing, saving, insurance and careers.

Robert Allen, Extension educator in Clark County, received the IEEA Senior Award for his plan to raise money for the Clark County 4-H programs. In response to cuts in 4-H appropriations, Allen worked with the 4-H Corporation and Special Events Committee to develop a 4-H consignment sale and auction. With the combined assistance of the 4-H Corporation Board, Leader's Organization, Junior Leaders, community farmers and citizens, and Earth First, which provided used equipment for the auction, the group raised $20,000 for Clark County 4-H programs.

Mike Ferree, Extension Educator in Bartholomew County, was presented the IEEA Career Award for his work in Extension education. Ferree has served as an Extension educator for 22 years with experience in Henry, St. Joseph and Bartholomew counties. Ferree also serves on strategic planning committees, water quality teams, a recycling committee and several other committees.

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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