Henry County ISU employee receives two awards

MT. PLEASANT—Henry County Extension Office’s Sadie Martin received recognition in two categories for the 2022 Iowa State University Extension & Outreach Southeast Iowa County Services Awards.

Martin received the Pride of Extension Award and the Spirit of Cy Award.

Known as "Miss Sadie" to the youth of Henry County and "Sadie Sunshine" to her coworkers, those that know her describe her as a bright light in the office and throughout Henry County.

Martin exemplifies all that is good about extension, and many consider her the epitome of positivity, friendliness and warmth.

Martin's programming focuses on youth development and making healthy choices.

She implements the Pick a Better Snack curriculum for the elementary schools in the Mt. Pleasant Community School District, the SWITCH program and facilitates the After School Program at Van Allen Elementary School.

During the summer you can find her at the New London, Mt. Pleasant and Winfield Libraries conducting day camps as well as leading the Static Exhibit day at the county fair alongside her other fair duties.

In addition to all this, in 2022 she applied for and received a grant to help expand an outdoor learning space for the Mt. Pleasant Preschool.

She worked with the school staff and helped install new raised garden beds, a sand/water table that is accessible for all, a buddy bench, and outdoor chalkboards.

In 2023, she received the grant again. She use the grant resources to serve two new preschools.

Martin is a team player and is always the first to volunteer when there is a need in the office or community.

Everyone who crosses Martin's path encounters a warm smile and genuine interest in how she can help meet their need or connect them to another person who can.

Martin engages youth, either as a 4-H leader or in her job, remarkably.

Parents and young people alike sing her praises.

She even brings the shyest youth out of their shells.

Martin exercises a contagious vision for a better Henry County.

She lives in this community and cares about it deeply.

Henry County Extension is fortunate to have such an awesome educator and genuinely kind person on staff.

Congratulations Sadie!

Press Release provided by ISU Extension and Outreach, Henry County.