This year's North Carolina Association of Extension Program Assistants, Associates & Technicians (NCAEPAAT) State Conference was held in Surry County. Staff from across the state gathered at Pilot Mountain State Park, Shelton Vineyards, and Downtown Mount Airy.
The theme of the conference was Fly Like an Eagle. Seydel Cropps shared "we wanted the members to know that they can continue to grow and achieve wonderful things within Extension and the NCAEPAAT." Speakers Addie Wilson, NC A&T EFNEP Coordinator and Tyrone Fisher, North Central District Extension Director, motivated the members to continue flying high. The Keynote speaker was Tyrone Dillard, a former Extension employee who now works as the Personnel Psychologist at Army Talent Innovation Directorate for the US. Department of Army. Tyrone inspired attendees with his "Fly High" speech.
State Board Officers
Attendees also enjoyed a wide-rage of workshops such as "Multimedia & AI" with Federico Planchon, "Budget to Make Life Fun" with Patrice Dollar, "Don't be Chicken, Buy a Whole Chicken" with Chef Rob Creel, and "Title Promotion for Program Assistants" with Susan Kelly. Many even had the opportunity to make their own fall harvest planter with Master Gardener, Robin Portis.
This year, two EFNEP educators, Lynnell Godfrey and Nitasha Kearney, received awards presented at the Awards Banquet, Tuesday, August 13 at the Surry Cooperative Extension Center.
Dr. Bernadette G. Watts Award- Nitasha Kearney, NCAEPAAT State Treasurer. The Dr. Bernadette G. Watts Award of Excellence objective is to recognize outstanding current NCAEPAAT members with 5 or more years of experience and accomplishments in their program area.
Early Career Award - Lynnell Godfrey, NCAEPAAT State President Elect The Early Career Award is to recognize current NCAEPAAT members with 5 or less years of experience and accomplishments in their program area.
