Johanna Hicks was recognized for excellence in programming in three areas by the National Extension

Association of Family & Consumer Sciences.  Pictured with Hicks (left) is Dr. Bonnie McGee, Director of Extension Human Sciences

and Professor at Texas A&M University, presenting the Mary W. Wells Diversity Award. 

Hicks was also awarded an Educational Technology Team Award

 

 

Extension Agent Earns State & Regional Recognition       

 

Press Release from Johanna Hicks
Agri-Life Extension Agent

 

Johanna Hicks, Extension Agent with Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Hopkins County, recently received recognition from the National Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences  (FCS).  She attended the national conference in Birmingham, Alabama, where she also served on the Arrangements Committee and served as moderator for one of the concurrent sessions.     

Hicks was given a perfect rating in three program areas to receive recognition in the Mary W. Wells Memorial Diversity award, the Communications Marketing Package Award, and the Educational Technology Award.       The Mary W. Wells Memorial Diversity Award is presented in support of emphasis on diversity and plurism - a national program to respond to the changing work force, population and Extension audience.  Hicks' efforts to provide relevant education programs to a diverse population earned her the recognition.  She provided Basic Life Skills Workshops for participants in the Even Start Family Literacy Program over a two year period, reaching 57 Hispanic women.  "Healthy Cooking - A Hands-on Workshop for Busy Moms", taught basic skills in food and kitchen safety, making healthy food choices using MyPyramid as a guide, packing a safe school lunch, reading nutrition labels, and following a recipe.  The highlight of this workshop was the actual hands-on meal preparation and dining by the participants under the guidance of Hicks.     

"Sew, A Needle Pulling Thread" provided basic sewing skills including reading a pattern envelope, selecting fabric and notions, threading a sewing machine, straight and decorative machine sewing, and hand-stitching techniques.  Make-and-take projects included pillow cases, scented hot pads, bandana and other decorative pillows, and reversible tote/market bags.  An interpreter was available to assist Hicks.     

In addition to these two workshops, a semi-monthly nutrition newsletter is prepared by Hicks and sent to schools, and other agencies in Hopkins County for distribution to clientele, reaching over 3,000 families with each issue.      A second award was presented as a team effort between Hicks and Lexie McGrane, Dallas County FCS agent for Educational Technology.  Based on the popular game show, Jeopardy, Hicks and McGrane developed "Diabetes Jeopardy", using questions and answers pertaining to diabetes management.  The game, using power point technology and hyperlinks, works like the t.v. game show, with categories and point levels.  "Diabetes Jeopardy" has been used as a review for the Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes series taught by Hicks and McGrane in their respective counties.  Participants enjoy the process of hearing, seeing, and participating in the learning process using this fun, non-competitive, tool.     

 

 

Family & Consumer Sciences Agents across the state of Texas have requested the game for using as part of their diabetes education programming.  Hicks also served on a Regional Diabetes Issues Team, where she was requested to present the teaching tool to FCS agents from 65 counties at a Regional Extension Conference.      The third Extension award which Hicks received was also a team award for the Communications Marketing Package - "Seasons of Taste Traveling Cooking School".  FCS agents from six northeast Texas counties joined forces in 2007 to present the first event.  Due to marketing efforts, attendance  increased from 144 the first year to 230 in 2008, the second year.  (The third "Seasons of Taste" is scheduled for October 8 and 15, 2009, so numbers were not available at press time.)  Marketing outlets included 17 newspapers, 6 radio stations, a traveling exhibit, marketing brochures, fliers, cable t.v., and newsletters.   The cooking school incorporates demonstrations, recipe sampling, goody bags, and door prizes, and has been a popular event each of the three years.      

Extension FCS agents involved were Hicks, Mary Sue Cole - Hunt County, Patrice Dunagin and Shelia Lewis - Smith County, Angie Monk - Wood County, Dee Lee Smith - Van Zandt County, and Denita Young - Rains County.  Marketing strategies resulted in broadening the clientele base for other Extension programming, as well.     

Johanna Hicks has been with Extension for 13 years, earning national recognition in several program areas.  She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Tarleton State University, and teaching certification and a Masters of Education degree from T.C.U.   Picture caption: Johanna Hicks was recognized for excellence in programming in three areas by the National Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences. 

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