Locals Receive National Recognition for Career Day Program

By Lorrie Coop

Lorrie Coop, county Extension agent with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service - Knox County, and Jimi Coplen, Knox County Visioning Group Community Development Director, were honored recently by the National Extension Education Association for Family and Consumer Sciences at the 2013 Galaxy IV Conference, “Bridging the Centuries: A New Era For Extension.”  They received the 3rd place National and 2^nd place Southern Region Community Partnership Award at the conference held September 19, 2013 in Pittsburgh, PA. 

Lorrie Coop and Jimi Coplen pictured with their
awards from the National Extension Education Association. 

In receiving the award, Coop and Coplen were recognized for their collaboration in planning and implementing Career Day 2012 which was held at the Knox Prairie Events Center in Goree, TX. The event focused on the need for youth to finish high school and seek post-secondary education, either through college credits or certification programs, in a field that would allow them the ability to support themselves and their families while living in rural Texas.  

Career Day allowed 265 students from Knox and surrounding counties to explore careers through interaction with guest speakers and visit with several colleges and technical schools. The Community Partnership Award recognizes NEAFCS members for outstanding community partnership efforts in meeting the needs of families through collaboration with group, agencies and consumers. It recognizes members for their efforts in building community partnerships to meet the educational needs and concerns of families.

Mrs. Coop was also recognized as the Southern Region winner of the Program Excellence Through Research Award. The Program Excellence Through Research Award recognizes NEAFCS members as both researchers and users of research. This award emphasizes the use of research to improve existing programs or to develop new programs.  Mrs. Coop’s commitment to meeting the needs of individuals, families and communities is exemplary.

     Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all citizens without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age or national origin. Individuals with disabilities who require an auxiliary aid, service, or accommodation in order to participate in a meeting or program are encouraged to contact the Knox County Extension Office.

To read more about Career Day, click here.