For more than 100 years, University of Missouri Extension has extended university-based knowledge beyond the campus into all counties of the state by strengthening families, businesses and communities. To honor outstanding local leaders and volunteers who have supported and helped to advance MU Extension in their communities, Saline County Extension held its annual Recognition Night. The 2020-21 Saline County Farm Family was also recognized at the Missouri State Fair in August.
A news release says Jack Harvey and Martha Leimkuehler were selected as the MU Extension Leaders Honor Roll recipients for 2021. Harvey has served on the Saline County Extension Council for multiple terms and been a strong advocate throughout cattle, crop and farming entities. He has donated leadership, time and resources to support 4-H, Saline County youth initiatives, and was instrumental in helping revitalize Extension’s mission and purpose in Saline County.
Leimkuehler began her involvement with 4-H and Extension in 1971 when her children began as members of the Reynolds 4-H Club in Miami. Over the next 50 years, Martha lead 4-H projects, judged youth submission at the Saline County fair, and hosted three foreign exchange students as a part of the 4-H Future Leaders Exchange program.
Selection for the Honor Roll is based on community leadership efforts that support MU Extension’s efforts to enhance economic viability, build strong individuals, families and communities, and create and sustain healthy environments.
The 2021 Partners in Education Award was presented to the Salt Fork YMCA. This award recognizes the partnership and support of local organizations and businesses in maintaining high-quality Extension programming. The YMCA has been an integral part of Saline County Extension’s youth programming for more than six years, and has provided opportunities in the areas of nutrition, health and wellness, 4-H and family sciences in after school and summer camp sessions. Dallas Hopping, Youth and Family Director, and Stacie Alspach, Aquatics Director, accepted the award.
The Hayworth Family was selected as the 2020-21 Saline County Farm Family. The Hayworths were chosen based on their activity in the community, involvement in agriculture, and participation in outreach and extension programs such as 4-H and FFA. The Hayworths were among the families honored during the 62nd annual Missouri Farm Family Day, August 16 at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. Russell, Kandy and Dylan were in attendance at the ceremony, and Saline Extension recognizes the entire family of Nathan and Rachel, Luke and Danae, Rusty and Stephanie, Shelby and Jacob, and all of the children of those families as recipients of this award.
PHOTOS:
(TOP) Jack Harvey (left) and Martha Leimkuehler receiving their 2021 Leaders Honor Roll certificates from Saline Extension Chair Jason Price
(LOWER) Salt Fork YMCA recognized as the 2021 Partners in Education from Saline County Extension. Stacie Alspach, Aquatics Director, and Dallas Hopping, Youth and Family Director, accepted the award from Chair Jason Price. The Hayworth Family selected as the 2020-21 Saline County Farm Family. Kandy, Dylan, and Russel Hayworth attended the recognition event at the Missouri State Fair in August.
Photos courtesy the University of Missouri Extension.