Washington County ISU Extension recognized by region

The Iowa State Extension and Outreach offices in the southeast area announced award recipients for outstanding achievements in 2021 at an award ceremony last week. Washington County Extension is among the 26 making up the southeast area, each represented at the hybrid in-person and online event.

Nominations were collected in the fall and reviewed by an awards committee of Extension professionals representing the entire southeast area.

Washington County’s Extension and Outreach service received several of the awards, including the County Extension Council Distinguished Service Award.

"The Washington County Extension Council is a united team that is extremely committed to serving Iowa State University Extension and Outreach,“ the nomination announcement said. ”All nine elected officials prioritize monthly extension council meetings and meet in subcommittees multiple times throughout the year … Washington County Extension has placed a high level of importance on agriculture, helping the Iowa economy and mental health this past year. They have secured a long-term partnership with their local Farm Bureau to offer ag in the classroom for over 1,000 students monthly during the school year. Recently, Washington County was also successful in securing a grant to help provide resources and information on mental health across their county and surrounding counties. By providing programs, events, and resources, Washington County strives to help their communities in many ways.”

Washington County 4-H and Youth Coordinator Amy Green received the Pride of Extension Award for Youth Staff.

“Amy Green strives to provide opportunities for youth in Washington County. While doing so, Amy shows pride in 4-H’s tradition while also being able to implement new modernized techniques and information that is helpful to youth,” the nomination said. “Amy leads the 4-H and Clover Kids programs, teaches Pick a Better Snack in the schools, and provides multiple workshops and camps for youth throughout the year. Amy has been instrumental in growing 4-H and youth opportunities in Washington County and Region 19.

“Amy has created multiple partnerships in her communities to include schools, local businesses, ag cooperations, banks, Farm Bureau and more. One example of a well-built partnership that Amy was actively involved in is with Farm Bureau (which) supports Washington County Extension with providing Agriculture in the Classroom to 60 classrooms in Washington County. Other impactful partnerships include the extensive number of sponsors and volunteers Amy has recruited and obtained to help support the county fair. There is a powerful volunteer base in Washington County like no other county. With these relationships, Washington County continues to grow and offers so many life learning opportunities to youth.

“Amy lives and breathes 4-H. Amy has been the CYC in Washington County for 10.5 years. If she were able to, Amy would work 24 hours a day to best serve her 4-Hers and their families. She takes her job very seriously, and truly cares about everyone she serves. Amy is creative, passionate, innovative, and caring. She carries on many traditions, while also looking into what new experiences are needed for youth, 4-Hers and their families. No matter what obstacle appears, Amy finds a way to regroup and push through. Amy is a true example of what 4-H is all about. She does all she can to make the best better.”

Washington County Director Andy Miller received the County Director’s Pride of Extension award, a crowning achievement after his first year with the group.

“Andy is still in his first year working for Extension but stepped into a position with huge shoes to fill in a county director of almost 20 years and post-COVID programming challenges … Without any Extension/4-H background, he jumped right in dedicated to meeting volunteers and kids by visiting almost all 18 4-H Clubs in his first few months. He met with specialists and got lists of programs and listened to customers and what they might have an interest in. He continues to greet the majority of people who come to the office to start that relationship building and customer service … Andy joined this team very close to county fair busy season and in that time, the number one partner is always the fair board. He was dedicated to having good communication with them often and attending their meetings.

“As he has taken ownership of some of his own programs (like Grazing in the Green) he found sponsors and partners and has record registrations for that class because of his one-on-one dedication to asking and educating others about it. He is always willing in the office to lend a hand even if it doesn’t fit perfectly into his day’s plans or job description … He has done a good job of making sure staff knows the message as well so the entire office can move in the same motion for the customers. He has set up procedures that are a convenience for both customers and staff.”