A longtime agent at the University of Kentucky Grayson County Extension Office has received a national award.
Natalie Taul, a Family and Consumer Science (FCS) Extension Agent, was recently bestowed the Distinguished Service Award at the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS) annual session in Providence, Rhode Island.
The Distinguished Service Award is the highest award presented by the NEAFCS. The award recognizes Taul for her leadership, educational program efforts and professional development.
Taul, who has worked at the Grayson County Extension Office for 12 years, and who leads programs focused on human development, parenting, resource management, nutrition, health, and leadership development, was understandably excited to receive the prestigious award.
“Receiving the Distinguished Service Award is an honor. For the past several years I have worked on building relationships in our community that have allowed me to provide quality programming to the people of Grayson County,” Taul said. “It feels great to have that hard work recognized! I feel accomplished having been recognized for programming and leadership locally. It is something I am proud of.”
As Taul works to better people’s lives through the extension office’s many self- and family-improvement programs, connecting with the residents of Grayson County is a key aspect of her position.
“My favorite part of being the Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent in Grayson County is building relationships and working with various community partners to bring stronger, more impactful programs to Grayson County,” she said.
Although Taul’s work has benefited and continues to benefit innumerable county residents, she sees an opportunity to expand her outreach to even more people who could benefit from the programs she so adeptly leads.
“The biggest challenge of this job is connecting all of the opportunities that are available through FCS Extension to the people in our county,” Taul stated. “Extension is often referred to as the ‘best kept secret,’ and I want to change that. We don’t want it to be a secret!”
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
