Rea honored with State Achievement in Service Award..

Becky Rea, Allamakee County K-12 Program Coordinator, was recently recognized at the annual Iowa State University Extension Office staff in-service: Youth Fest by the Iowa 4-H Program. Rea was a recipient of an Achievement in Service Award, being selected for this award by being in her position for three years or less and making a difference in the Iowa 4-H program in that short time.

Allamakee County Youth Coordinator Morgan Bjerke said Rea has made a significant difference in the Allamakee County 4-H Program as she brings inquiry-based learning to life through her after school programs, in-school programs and Clover Kids lesson plans. Through intentional program planning, she has worked to be innovative and futuristic. She has continued to grow her Saturday Clover Kids Program and for the 2018-2019 4-H year is offering the program at three different sites. Bjerke says that Rea is always striving to grow and develop community partners, increase participation and create new and innovative experiences for youth in Allamakee County.

In addition to her achievements locally as Program Coordinator, Rea’s passion and background in the dairy industry have been assets to the Iowa Dairy Story program in northeast Iowa that provides third through fourth graders six hours of education about the dairy industry. Outcomes for youth include gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for the dairy industry, understanding of potential careers, understanding where their food comes from and how it moves through the food system. Last year, Rea served as the Iowa Dairy Story Coordinator. Under her direction and leadership, the Iowa’s Dairy Story also got recognized at this year’s Youth Fest event, receiving the Outstanding Team Award. Through her efforts with the Iowa Dairy Story, she reached 984 youth from 22 schools in 2018. Submitted photo.