Orleans County 4-H Youth Development Educator Margo Bowerman was selected by the New York State Association of Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Educators as the 2006 New York State Achievement in Service Award recipient. This award is given annually to a 4-H educator that has been creative and innovative in programming efforts over the past five years. Bowerman was recognized at the annual meeting of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents in Milwaukee last month. With more than 3,000 members present in this Association, Bowerman was one of six educators from the Northeast region to be honored with this award, noted for her innovations in the areas of GPS/GIS technology and invasive species, while maintaining a strong 4-H club program. Bowerman credits her award to the community and colleagues with which she works, "I have just been a facilitator for much of the 4-H programming we do here in Orleans County. We have an exceptionally strong club program, thanks to the efforts and commitment of our volunteer leaders. And the support and advice that I have received from colleagues around the state have been indispensable in working out glitches along the way." Susan Lear, a 4-H volunteer for 21 years, feels Bowerman is a "huge asset to our county's 4-H program ... and is always looking for ways to improve existing programs and creating new programs." Nancy Halstead, a 4-H parent, echoes these sentiments adding that Bowerman's "positive effect on the youth of Orleans County will be measured in the future as our young leaders evolve into the leaders of tomorrow." November 12, 2006 |
