With more than 40,000 New Mexico youth participating in 4-H activities throughout the state, New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service 4-H agents support programming for communities across all 33 counties. Several NMSU 4-H agents and 4-H youth development department staff were honored at the 2025 National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals annual conference in Atlanta, Georgia, in October.
“Having NMSU Cooperative Extension Service agents recognized at the national level highlights the high-quality, innovative programming that New Mexico professionals are delivering at the county, regional and statewide levels,” Hildago County Extension Program Director and 4-H Agent Savannah Daniels said. “These honors reflect the dedication of Extension professionals meeting community needs and providing impactful education across the state.”
At the national conference, NMSU was honored with two national winners, two service award winners and 12 regional award winners.
The New Mexico 4-H Online Horse Bowl Tournament won the national award for educational technology, and honorees included Daniels; Tamara Schubert, Chaves County Extension program director; Courtney Mitchell, Harding County Extension program director; Angela Prada, Los Alamos County Extension agent; Phillip Alden, Bernalillo County Extension Family and Consumer Science agent; Kandy Hutchins, Curry County Extension associate; Tracy Drummond, Catron County Extension program director; Jason Lamb, Quay County Extension program director; Chelsey Wilson, Lea County Extension program director; and Augusta Ahlm, San Juan County Extension agent.
“I have had the opportunity to watch this program develop since its inception during COVID, when it provided youth with a meaningful way to stay engaged despite significant challenges. What has been especially rewarding is seeing the program continue to have a lasting impact on 4-H members across the state,” Daniels said. “Over the years, participants from my community have embraced this opportunity and participated consistently. I have watched these youth grow not only in their equine knowledge, but also in essential life skills such as dedication, persistence, teamwork and communication. Even in a virtual environment, participants have built strong relationships and friendships through this tournament, which speaks to the strength and value of the program.”
Erin Smith, Quay County Extension Family and Consumer Science agent, won the national excellence in communications and expressive arts award. Kelly Knight, Otero County Extension program director, was recognized for 25 years of service, and Emily Bruton, Socorro County Extension program director, received the achievement in service award.
“The national recognition received at this conference demonstrates that the New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service is delivering high-quality programming and truly serving communities across the state,” Daniels said. “It reinforces the value of NMSU as a vital resource for New Mexico, providing education, outreach and support that positively impacts individuals, families and communities statewide.”
Additionally, Sierra Cain, Valencia County Extension program director, and Brittany Johnson, Sandoval County Extension program director, presented the workshop, Northern New Mexico Small Animal School, at the national conference.
Regional winners included, beyond youth leadership, Crystal Garcia-Anaya, Valencia County Extension Family and Consumer Science agent; diversity and inclusion-expanding the 4-H audience, Bruton and Jamie Fassett, Socorro County Extension 4-H agent, and Kensi Yoakum, volunteer; excellence in 4-H club support: Mindy Turner, Curry County Extension program director, Hutchins, Diana Wood, Curry County Extension program assistant; excellence in camping, Brittany Sonntag, Bernalillo County Extension 4-H agent, Alden, Will Jaremko-Wright, Taos County Extension agent, Cheryl Butterfield, former state 4-H agent, Molly Hayes, volunteer, and Carla Jaramillo, Bernalillo County Extension administrative assistant; search for excellence in teen programming: Cain, Susann Mikkelson, Guadalupe County Extension county program director, Jaremko-Wright, and Amy Zemler, 4-H youth activities specialist; educational piece-individual, Deborah Maberry, Torrence County Extension program director; personal column, Cain; promotional piece-individual, Prada; social media package/campaign-team: Mindy Turner, Hutchins and Wood; social media piece-team: Mindy Turner and Jason Turner, professor and Extension horse specialist.
-30-
CUTLINE: New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service 4-H agents and 4-H youth development department staff were honored at the 2025 National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals annual conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Hildago County Extension Program Director and 4-H Agent Savannah Daniels, right, accepts the national award for educational technology. (Courtesy photo)
CUTLINE: New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service 4-H agents and 4-H youth development department staff were honored at the 2025 National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals annual conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Erin Smith, right, Quay County Extension Family and Consumer Science agent, accepts the national excellence in communications and expressive arts award. (Courtesy photo)
CUTLINE: New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service 4-H agents and 4-H youth development department staff were honored at the 2025 National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals annual conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Emily Bruton, right, Socorro County Extension program director, accepts the achievement in service award. (Courtesy photo)