The 2022 Iowa State University Extension & Outreach Southeast Iowa County Services Award winners were recently announced. This year Henry County Extension’s Sadie Martin was recognized in two categories.
Sadie received the Pride of Extension Award and the Spirit of Cy Award. Sadie, “Miss Sadie” to the youth of Henry County and “Sadie Sunshine” to her coworkers, is a bright light in the office and throughout Henry County. She is the epitome of positivity, friendliness and warmth and exemplifies all that is good about extension. Sadie’s programming focuses on youth development and making healthy choices. She implements the Pick a Better Snack curriculum for the elementary schools in the Mt. Pleasant Community School District, the SWITCH program and facilitates the After School Program at Van Allen Elementary School. During the summer you can find her at the New London, Mt. Pleasant and Winfield Libraries conducting day camps as well as leading the Static Exhibit day at the county fair alongside her other fair duties.
In addition to all this, in 2022 she applied for and received a grant to help expand an outdoor learning space for the Mt. Pleasant Preschool. She worked with the school staff and was able to help install new raised garden beds, a sand/water table that is accessible for all, a buddy bench as well as outdoor chalkboards. In 2023 she received the grant again and will be serving two new preschools.
Sadie is a team player and is always the first to volunteer when there is a need. She does this not only around the office, but also with our community partners. Everyone who crosses Sadie’s path is met with a warm smile and genuine interest in how she can help meet their need or connect them to another person who can.
The way in which Sadie engages youth, either as a 4-H leader or in her job, is remarkable. Parents and young people alike sing her praises. You can see even the shyest of youth come out of their shell around her. Sadie’s vision for a better Henry County is contagious. She lives in this community and cares about it deeply. Henry County Extension is fortunate to have such an awesome educator and genuinely kind person on staff. Congratulations Sadie!