Awards and Promotions - 2004

Vernon and Ida Darter Award

(Pictured at Left: Belinda Riddle and Dr. Norman)

Award Description

This award, named for the late Extension Dean Emeritus Vernon W. Darter and his wife, the late Ida Darter, recognizes excellence among the ranks of Associate Extension Agents.

Citation

Belinda Riddle, the winner of this award, began her Extension career as a Program County Assistant in Bedford County in 1992 and has since moved on to the Coffee County Extension where she has been for nearly a decade.

Last year she provided monthly parenting education training for divorcing couples as well as collaborated with community leaders in conducting Girl Talk programs an issues-based program for pre-teen daughters and their mothers.

Riddle is perhaps best known for her work in Hispanic education programs. She has worked tirelessly with the Latino community which has grown in Coffee and Bedford counties by 300 percent since her arrival. She has spear-headed the development of a Latino Health Care Yellow Pages in Spanish as well as being instrumental in providing nutritional education for Latino youth. Riddle is presently working as Co-Director for a 4-year USDA project that seeks to increase health care among Spanish seeking immigrants. Riddle is a devoted member of her church and active member of the Farm Bureau and a number of FCS organizations.