UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Lee Curtis Of Columbus And Phyllis Wright Of Youngsville Were Honored As Outstanding Volunteer And Outstanding County Educator, Respectively, By Penn State Cooperative Extension As Part Of The 2004 Cooperative Extension Director's Spirit Awards In Recent Ceremonies At University Park.

The Spirit Awards recognize individuals who show an outstanding personal commitment to the mission of cooperative extension and their community through their dedication, enthusiasm, and quality performance. Award recipients demonstrated knowledge of cooperative extension, leadership excellence, team building, creativity, role modeling, positive attitude and enthusiasm, and a commitment to diversity, research, education and scholarship.

Curtis was acknowledged as an avid and staunch supporter of cooperative extension who truly believes that extension is valuable to both Warren County and Pennsylvania residents. Known as an advocate for extension's work on behalf of youth development, low-income families and community and economic development, Curtis is a member of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and the Jersey Cattle Club and is director of the Warren County Conservation District State Board.

"Lee's steadfast support for Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences and Cooperative Extension dates back to his days as a 4-H member," says George Wilcox, director of extension in Warren County. "He exudes enthusiasm -- he shows up on his own and wants to know what he can do. I've never found a task that Lee thought was beneath him -- from calling legislators to arranging transportation, he does it with a smile."

"I believe in the program," Curtis says. "I'm a dairy farmer, and we take advantage of the extension services every day. It brings the knowledge that we need to improve our businesses out in the counties. I grew up with 4-H and I believe that's one of the key things keeping youth out of trouble. 4-H teaches youth to respect things and to be better people. I believe strongly in the youth program and the way it helps us in the community."

Phyllis M. Wright, senior extension educator in Warren County, has been honored as the first female "Man of the Year" by the Warren Jaycees. She coordinates program planning and futuring workshops for county human service agencies, oversees an international exchange program with Poland and orchestrates 4-H programs in youth development, leadership development and personal growth.

"Phyllis truly believes that education can improve the lives of Pennsylvania residents," Wilcox says, "and that extension is in a better position than anyone else to provide this nonformal education. She excels at developing leadership and bringing out the best in people. She leads by example and, in doing so, portrays extension as an effective, dynamic and relevant organization."

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