The Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Alabama A&M University and Urban Regional Extension Agents Tierney Donnell and Darlene Minniefield received the Community Partnership Award from the Hawk Houston Youth Enrichment Center. The award was presented at the center’s 2025 annual meeting and recognition banquet in Dothan, Alabama, in recognition of Extension programs targeting younger audiences.

An excerpt from the plaque reads:

“…In recognition and grateful appreciation for the many years of partnership with programs and services designed to improve the quality of life of our youth and families. Your commitment, professionalism and knowledge of subjects helped to empower and encourage our youth/students with life skills to include college and career choices, entrepreneurial classes, financial literacy, health and nutrition, and etiquette classes. Thank you for helping keep the legacy and vision alive for those who need us most – our youth.”

About the Award

For the past 61 years, the center has hosted an annual recognition banquet to honor donors, sponsors, volunteers, program partners, staff and youth who have performed exemplary service during the past year. This year, Alabama Extension, Donnell and Minniefield were the 2025 Alveta Houston Hawk 60th Anniversary honorees.

Donnell said she looks forward to programming with the center.

“I have enjoyed working with the youth and staff at Hawk Houston Enrichment Center over the years. I am excited to partner with them again this summer for nutrition and physical activity programming featuring the CHAMPION curriculum,” Donnell said.

Minniefield believes in this partnership because it is transforming lives.

“Engaging with the youth at Hawk/Houston has been transformative—not only in their lives but also in the lives of their families,” Minniefield said. “This impact is especially evident through the workforce development and financial literacy programs, which equip participants with essential employment and money management skills.”

More Information

Learn more about Urban Extension programs.