The Ila McIlwean White Family and Consumer Sciences Program Endowment Award has been established by the McIlwean and White families, and family, friends, and colleagues of Mrs. White. This award recognizes excellence for agents, specialists, or volunteers who offer programs for limited resource families in the Northeast or Southeast Districts of North Carolina. Mrs. Ila McIlwean White provided leadership for family and consumer sciences programs throughout her career. She worked for Perquimans County as a Home Economics Agent for 14 years. In 1972, she was hired as the Northeast District Area Agent for EFNEP, a position she held for 22 years. She was involved in the National Association of Extension Home Economists and received their Distinguished Service Award. She also served as State President of the North Carolina Home Economics Association in 1983. Mrs. White served as a member of the inaugural Board of Directors of the North Carolina Family and Consumer Sciences Foundation.

This year's award winner is Marissa Spillman from Columbus County!

A cornerstone of Marissa’s teaching philosophy is promoting hands-on food preparation. She emphasizes the importance of practical experience,
encouraging kids to actively participate in cooking. This approach helps build their confidence in preparing snacks and meals independently, fostering self-reliance and a positive attitude towards food. Marissa is eager to broaden her program’s impact by incorporating hands-on food preparation for both adult and youth participants. Each program year, Marissa reaches 1,000 youth in Columbus county. This funding is
crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of her program and achieving its full potential in promoting lifelong healthy eating habits.

Congratulations, Marissa!