October 19, 2005

Economic and community development educators honored

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Indiana Extension Educator Association on Tuesday (Oct. 18) honored several Purdue University economic and community development educators during Purdue Extension's annual conference banquet.

The recipient of the Innovator Award was George Okantey of Marion County. Okantey was honored for proposing the current parenting education program for parents of students in the Science Bound Program. Science Bound was established by Purdue to encourage minority students to pursue science and engineering. The parenting program has improved communications and academic support between parents, students and teachers, while helping the parents improve their parenting skills and personal development.

Daniel Ritter of Newton County received of the Junior Award for his revision of the county comprehensive plan that resulted in saving $5,000. Ritter organized and facilitated meetings in the revision process. During the process, issues such as the 1,500 head dairy operation, the 7,000 acres purchased by the Nature Conservancy, the landfill and other changes were considered.

The winner of the Senior Award was Sue Frischie of Newton County. Due to the increasing Hispanic/Latino population in Newton County, Frischie designed a conversational Spanish course for childcare providers, teachers, nurses, police officers, bank employees and business owners. The program's focus was to help participants better understand cultural differences and to improve communication.

Dan Baugh of Monroe County received the Career Award for his service to Purdue Extension. Baugh has worked as a youth educator in Hendricks and Jennings counties, and agriculture and natural resources educator in Hendricks, Jennings, Dearborn and Monroe counties. He has received the Distinguished Service Award and IEEA Senior Youth Educator Award.

Writer: Chelsea Carter, (765) 494-8402, carterc@purdue.edu

Sources: Beth Forbes, (765) 494-2722, forbes@purdue.edu

Dave Petritz, (765) 494-8489, dpetritz@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page

Note to Journalists: Photos of award winners will be available online. The photos will be available after 8 a.m. Friday (Oct. 21).

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