The Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Alabama 4-H congratulate the Clay County 4-H forestry team for proudly representing Alabama at the 43rd annual National 4-H Forestry Invitational. Team members include Jonah Bell, Jayton Bell, Cannon Dukkus, and Ashley McCollum.
Alabama was one of twelve states to compete in the contest, which was held July 23 through July 26 at West Virginia University Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Camp and Conference Center near Weston, West Virginia. During the invitational, 4-H members have their knowledge tested on several forestry-related topics including tree identification, tree measurement, compass and pacing, insect and disease identification, topographic map use, and forest evaluation.
At the invitational, the Clay County team’s coach, Wiley McCollum, was awarded the 2023 Tommy and Susan Futral Inspiration of the Invitational Award. This award is presented to individuals that have demonstrated strong support of 4-H forestry and have taken the time to help educate 4-H youth about forest resources. McCollum has been a volunteer with Clay County 4-H since the 80s. As the Clay County 4-H forestry team coach, he had guided nine teams to the National 4-H Forestry Invitational over the years.
More Information
To read more about the 4-H forestry program, visit www.Alabama4H.com or contact your local Extension office.
Find other ACES Accolades at www.aces.edu/go/ACESAccolades.
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Melissa Voynich, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System coordinator for Dale County, received the 2023 Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce Community Involvement Award Feb. 22, at the Ozark Business Excellence Awards.
Voynich said the award is indicative of the work Dale County Extension does in the community.
“We were so excited to receive this award because it reflects the amazing contributions of our whole team,” Voynich said. “We are all proud to serve this area.”
In the past calendar year, Dale County Extension professionals helped thousands of youths and adults in at least two to three programs per week. The office reaches 3,000 each month with newsletters and newspaper articles, as well as interacting with residents every day through phone or walk-in services. While assisting more than 750 youths in grades 4 through 6, they visited every school in Dale County, one Ozark City School, the Boys and Girls Club, and other community gatherings as requested.
Pictured from left to right: Dale County Administrative Associate Zandi Foss, Miss Ozark and Chamber Ambassador Savannah Pedroza, Dale County Extension Coordinator Melissa Voynich, and EFNEP agent Abigail Shehee.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System congratulates Scott Graham for his recognition as Specialist of the Year by the Alabama Agricultural Consultant Association. Graham received the award among peers and producers at the Alabama Row Crops Short Course Dec. 15. in Auburn, Alabama.
This award reflects Graham’s growing contributions to cotton, peanut, and soybean producers across Alabama, as well as the network of contacts he has established with consultants, agricultural dealers, farmers, and college personnel.
Donna Gilbert is the recipient of the 2023 Outstanding Council Member Award from the Alabama Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils (AARCD). Gilbert received the award during the Alabama Mountains Rivers and Valley Resource Conservation and Development’s annual meeting in Guntersville, Alabama.
Gilbert, a long-time council member, was recognized for her exceptional contributions to various projects and programs, such as her planning and problem-solving skills.
“Congratulations to Donna for her outstanding achievement and her service to the state of Alabama,” said Majed El-Dweik, interim Extension 1890 administrator.
Gilbert serves as the assistant manager at Alabama A&M University’s Agribition Center which is managed by Alabama Cooperative Extension System staff.
About AARCD Councils
Mission
The mission of the AARCD Councils is to “promote, protect, and develop the natural and human resources to secure and enhance the social and economic benefits for people across the state of Alabama.”
Nine councils serve the state of Alabama.