Eight Virginia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources agents were recognized for their service and contributions by the National Association of County Agricultural Agents during its annual conference held in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  The winners included:

  • Kevin Camm, agriculture and natural resources Extension agent for the city of Lynchburg, received the Achievement Award, which is presented to agents with less than 10 years of service in Cooperative Extension who have shown excellence in the field of professional extension.  
  • Watson Lawrence, agriculture and natural resources Extension agent for the city of Chesapeake, and Scott Reiter, agriculture and natural resources agent for Prince George county, received Distinguished Service awards, presented to members with 10 or more years of service in Cooperative Extension who have conducted exceptional programs and are held in high regard by fellow agents.

Communications awards recognize agents who stand out in communicating programs and ideas to their clients. Awards were given to state and regional winners, national finalists, and a national winner for each of the 14 communications categories.

  • Laura Siegle, agriculture and natural resources Extension agent for Amelia County, won the national award for published photo and caption, and regional awards for audio recording and personal column.
  • Mike Parrish, senior agriculture and natural resources Extension agent for Dinwiddie County, received the national communications award for video presentation.
  • Andy Overbay, senior agriculture and natural resources Extension agent for Smyth County, was a national finalist for feature story.
  • Jennifer Ligon, agriculture and natural resources Extension agent for Buckingham County, won the state communications award for computer generated graphics presentation and received second place for applied research poster.
  • Debbie Dillion, agriculture and natural resources Extension agent for Culpeper County, received the state communications award for program promotional piece.

In addition, the Virginia Association of Agricultural Extension Agents presented Rodney Leech, agriculture and natural resources Extension agent for Highland County, with its Wall of Fame Award.  The association also presented the award posthumously to Harlan White, retired Extension agronomist. The award is presented annually to an actively working member and a retired member of Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Association of Agricultural Extension Agents. These members are recognized for their accomplishments and for their support of the association, VCE, and the agricultural industry in Virginia.

 

 

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