Hopkins County Family & Community Health Extension Agent Johanna Hicks earned state honors and Hopkins County Commissioner Court was recognized last week at the 2022 Texas Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences state conference.
Hicks Receives State Honors
Johanna Hicks received the Healthy Texas Award at the TEAFCS Awards ceremony in Decatur, an annual event attended by Extension professionals from across the state. The impressive results her leadership with the Community Health/Wellness Alliance in conducting sessions at summer student day camps were cited for the state honor.
According to Hicks, the program started when the usual “Kids’ Camp: Fun, Food, Fitness” was cancelled due to the COVID pandemic. However, Sulphur Springs ISD developed a summer day camp in 2020 for students which has taken place each summer since then. Additional opportunities for Hicks and her collaborators surfaced as Cumby ISD added a camp program to its summer schedule in 2022. Hicks and her team jumped in to assist in leading sessions.
Providing education on nutrition, physical activity, hydration, water safety, sun safety, stranger danger, and bullying, Hicks and representatives from the Texas Department of State Health Services, United Healthcare and Master Wellness Volunteers made an impact in the lives of students attending the camps.
Hicks provided incentive items to reinforce topics being taught, including MyPlate flying discs, sports bottles, MyPlate books, toss up balls, and more. Seven issues of “Color Me Healthy” newsletter including recipes, tips for healthy eating, suggestions for incorporating physical activity into daily life, and more were distributed to parents. Hands-on cooking sessions in 2021 and 2022 included the importance of increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. Students also learned about reading a recipe, using the correct measuring utensils, hand hygiene, oven safety, and food safety.
The results were notably impressive:
- 100% of participants indicated that they plan to drink more water and fewer sweetened beverages.
- 100% also indicated that they plan to eat breakfast every morning, and
- 88% indicated that they plan to eat more fruits and vegetables.
Hopkins County Commissioners’ Court Honored
The Hopkins County Commissioners’ Court received recognition at the 2022 Texas Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences state conference as well.
(Photo courtesy of Callie Cline, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Specialist.)
Hicks nominated the Commissioners Court for their support and participation in events of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
The Commissioners Court consisting of Judge Robert Newsom, Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker, Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin, Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley, and Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price view Extension as a viable asset to the community and serve on Extension committees and task forces, Hicks sited in her nomination. The court members attend Extension leadership planning meetings, the annual Extension Banquet and 4-H Achievement Banquet, as their schedules allow. Newsom also assists in recognizing National 4-H Week by reading a proclamation and giving encouraging words to our county’s youth.
The County Judge, Hicks noted, was instrumental in encouraging county employees to take part in Walk Across Texas, an 8-week walking program to promote daily physical activity, which took place in Fall 2021. Three county official teams took part in the event in addition to three other local teams. Total miles logged during Walk Across Texas were 7,883.44.
In the words of Johanna Hicks, “The Hopkins County Commissioners’ Court is a shining example of support, encouragement, and involvement in the work of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. From Extension building improvements to involvement in Walk Across Texas, each commissioner has buoyed the life of work of Extension in Hopkins County.”
Congratulations to Hopkins County Extension Agent Johanna Hicks and the Commissioners Court on receiving this recognition for their efforts in and support of the local community.
