The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) at the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment were recognized with national awards at the 2024 National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS) annual meeting. 

Themed “Under One Sky,” the NEAFCS event recognized extension professionals who go above and beyond in improving the quality of life for individuals, families and communities. 

“National recognition truly highlights the impactful work done through the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension program across the state,” said Jennifer Hunter, extension professor and FCS assistant director at Martin-Gatton CAFE. “These accolades not only celebrate our achievements but also inspire us to continue striving for excellence in all our endeavors.” 

For Christy Stearns, Clinton County FCS extension agent and NEAFS national award recipient, this recognition is a motivator to continue serving communities. 

“Receiving national award recognition motivates me to continue developing and implementing new programs that meet the needs of youth and adults in my community,” Stearns said. “It is an honor to be recognized for my own professional and leadership development, but none of that is possible without programming that improves the quality of life for families.” 

The following were recognized with national awards at the NEAFCS for outstanding programming, leadership and professional development: 

• Distinguished Service Award: Awarded in recognition of outstanding leadership, programming, and personal & professional growth. Whitney Morrow, Debbie Messenger and Debbie Shepherd were honored with this award. 
• Continued Excellence Award: Recognizes active involvement in professional improvement programs, promotion of professional development and leadership. Christy Stearns was honored with this award. 
• Marketing Package: Recognizes an outstanding marketing package promoting a class, program or pertinent FCS issue. The award was granted for the “Eating Over the Rainbow – Fruit and Vegetable A Day Challenge”, encouraging families with young children to serve more fruits and vegetables daily. The team of Mindy McCulley, Courtney Luecking and Katherine Jury were awarded 1st place. This program also received 1st place in the Southern Region. 
• Educational Curriculum Package: Recognizes excellence in curriculum development. The award was granted for the “Protect Your Life from Scams and Frauds” program intended to raise fraud awareness to reduce the likelihood that participants will fall victim to scams. Kelly May was awarded 2nd place. This curriculum also received 2nd place in the Southern Region. 
• Excellence in Teamwork: Recognizes outstanding FCS programming presented by a multi-disciplinary team. The award was granted for the “Make & Take” program, a joint effort presented by all Carter County extension agents empowering youth and adults to learn valuable skills, embrace teamwork and enhance creativity through hands-on workshops. The team of Whitney Morrow (Leader), Erin Barker, Nikki Calhoun, Rebecca Hayes, Rebecca Konopka and Alice Perry were awarded 2nd place. This program also received 1st place in the Southern Region. 
• Family Health and Wellness Award: Recognizes innovative programs that promote and improve the health and wellness of families. This team received this award for the BARN program and Dinner Theater. The group also received 2nd place in the Southern Region. The team of Kate Thompson (Leader), Elizabeth Evans, Kenna Knight, Julie Marfell, Laura Weddle and Chelsea Young were awarded 2nd place. This team also received 2nd place in the Southern Region 
• Program Excellence through Research Award: Recognizes members as users of research, emphasizing the use of research results to improve existing programs or to develop new programs. This research explored the use of Mentimeter as a teaching tool to educate and engage extension audiences through two iterations of the Big Blue Book Club. Nichole Huff, Mindy McCulley and Heather Norman-Burgdolf were awarded 3rd place. This research also received the Southern Region 1st place award. 
• Social Media Education Award: Recognizes innovative social media education efforts. The award was granted for promotion of “Plate it Up! Kentucky Proud,” reaching thousands monthly on social media with local eating messaging. Collaborating with Extension Services, it shared recipes and preparation tips that support small farmers in Kentucky.  LaToya Drake was awarded 3rd place. These efforts also received the Southern Region 2nd place award. 
• Extension Disaster Education Award: Recognizes innovative education programs and outreach efforts that help individuals, families or communities become more resilient and decrease the impact of natural, or human made, disasters. The award was granted for the "Canning After a Disaster" program, helping families safely replenish food and prepare for future disasters after historic flooding affecting 8,900 households in the region. The team of Lorie Adams, Kelsey Sebastian and Kayla Watts were awarded 3rd place. This team also received the Southern Region 2nd Place Award. 
• Innovation in Programming Award: The Innovation in Programming Award recognizes innovation and accomplishment in the design and implementation of an FCS program. This team was granted the award for “The BARN program and Dinner Theater”, to raise awareness and improve mental health and well-being in their community. The team of Elizabeth Evans, Kenna Knight, Julie Marfell, Kate Thompson, Laura Weddle and Chelsea Young were awarded 3rd place. This program also received the 2nd place Southern Region award. 
• Communications Award– Educational Publication: Encourages excellence in communication in six categories including, educational publications, education technology, newsletters, radio/podcast, television/video and written media. The award was granted for “Charcuterie Boards 101,” a publication to combat the misinformation often shared through social media and influencers. Jill Harris, Cecelia Hostilo and Angie York were awarded third place. This publication also received 2nd place in the Southern Region. 

At the conference conclusion, Jennifer Bridge, UK Meade County extension agent, was named NEACFS National President.

“Attending national conferences is a great way learn about new programs, interface with industry leaders and showcase our talent,” Bridge said. “Kentucky always shows up as UK stands out through our professionalism and engagement.”

To learn more about the FCS department at Martin-Gatton CAFE, visit https://fcs-hes.ca.uky.edu.

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