Local Staff Earn Honors with ISU Extension | News, Sports, Jobs

Pictured are award-winning staff members of Iowa State University’s Office of Extension and Outreach in Tama County, left to right, Executive Director Cheryl Bruene, Tama County Youth Coordinator Jennifer Hulme and office assistant Sara Sorensen. — Photo added

Iowa State University’s Extension and Outreach County Offices in the North Central Region announced the honorees for outstanding achievement in 2021.

Cheryl Bruene, Jenny Hulme and Sara Sorensen received the Excellence in COVID Recovery Award for developing and engaging partnerships that implemented innovation in programming across Tama County.

The team distributed more than a thousand pounds of fresh produce to food pantries in Tama County, mobilized gardeners to grow another row to donate items, planned the construction of “Small” pantry to be built in the spring of 2022, and established partnerships to deliver “Kids in the Kitchen” education for students from kindergarten to 5th grade.

Chelsea Llewellyn received Agriculture and Natural Resources recognition for demonstrating excellence in programming in Marshall County by developing partnerships that use a cooperative approach to programming. She provided leadership for the state’s master gardener program, Central Iowa Agricultural Team, while increasing Marshall County’s capacity through spring and summer gardening programs, establishing partnerships and improving access to food by installing a “Small” pantry.

Grisel Chavez received the Face of Extension County Award for advancing programs and becoming a trusted source in the Marshall County community to engage all Iowans. She increased her workload for food and nutrition training, gained a strong social media presence by creating videos in Spanish, and adapted her program delivery by teaching on various online platforms during the pandemic.

Chelsea Llewellyn, Marshall County ISU Outreach Program Assistant

ISU Extension and Outreach is building a strong Iowa by engaging all Iowans in research, education, and outreach experiences to address current and emerging real-life challenges. Learn more at www.extension.iastate.edu.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation requests, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/diversity/ext.