Family and Consumer Sciences agent wins at KEAFCS

Nicole Gwishiri, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent of Bath County, was honored recently at the Kentucky Extension Association for Family and Consumer Sciences 2017 annual session, “Let’s Get Growing!” This yearly conference is used as a vessel to recognize Extension professionals in Kentucky for their accomplishments in their counties. Extension Agents are recognized through awards won at the national and state level. Nicole was awarded five first-place awards and one third place award for programs she has planned, implemented, and evaluated in Bath County and across the state of Kentucky.

DEAN DON FELKER FINANCIAL

MANAGEMENT

Nicole was a member of the team that received the First Place Dean Don Felker Financial Management Award at the conference held November 29-30 in Lexington. In winning the award, Gwishiri was recognized for aiding in the planning, implementation, and evaluating of the Transitioning the Family Farm program in 17 counties in Eastern Kentucky. The Dean Don Felker Financial Management Award recognizes Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Educators who have developed financial management programs which help individuals and families make decisions and plans for their present and future needs.

Human

Development/Family

Relations

Nicole Gwishiri won first place for her program in the Human Development/Family Relations Award. She and her team were recognized for their “Let’s Have A Spa Day” program in which participants learned how to implement healthy living into their daily lives by eating through MyPlate, reducing sugars in drinks, meditating, and saving money by making spa products at home. The Human Development/Family Relations award is awarded to the individual(s) with goals to create educational programs and public awareness is emphasizing current health issues, including nutrition, fitness, and healthy lifestyle education.

MARKETING

PACKAGE

Nicole also received a first-place award for the Marketing Award. In accepting the award, Gwishiri was recognized for Bath County Homemaker’s efforts to increase membership to provide more significant service to the citizens of Bath County. The Marketing Package Award acknowledges NEAFCS members for outstanding marketing efforts addressing concerns and needs of children, families or communities. It is presented for the development of an exceptional marketing package promoting a class, program or pertinent Family and Consumer Sciences issues.

RADIO/PODCAST

Nicole also was awarded first place for her Radio Spots in Bath County. In receiving the award, Gwishiri was recognized for her program on Valentine’s Day, Seasonal Affective Disorder, and how to have stronger relationships. SAD affects many people each year, and the program focused on how to get closer to the people they admire. The Radio Communications Award recognizes excellence in communication through an educational or a promotional feature between one and 15 minutes in length. It may be a regular broadcast or a unique program.

WRITTEN NEWS

Nicole Gwishiri received first place in the Written News category. In accepting the award, Gwishiri was recognized for the news article on Pokémon Go, a favorite game that was released last year. This game initiated many people to explore their surroundings, allowing people who may never meet to share a commonality that sparks conversation. This increase in the sense of community and shared bonding time amongst multiple generations of families is what was unique about this game. The Written News Communication Award encourages excellence in communication for a news article or an exclusive feature story or a personal column.

NEWSLETTERS

Nicole Gwishiri was awarded third place for her Building Strong Families in Bath County Newsletter. This newsletter has been used as the primary contact information for stakeholders, families, and Extension Homemakers. This monthly newsletter is also sent to county officials, general members of the public, and extension volunteers, as well as passed out at community events. The Newsletter Communication Award recognizes outstanding written communication through three different issues of an educational newsletter for either an individual educational effort or regular Extension program.

Nicole Gwishiri‘s commitment to meeting the needs of individuals, families and communities is exemplary.