ORONO, Maine — University of Maine Cooperative Extension associate professor and human development specialist Leslie Forstadt was recently honored by the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS) with the Distinguished Service Award.

The NEAFCS award recognizes members for leadership, outstanding program efforts, and personal and professional development. As the highest award given, Forstadt was recognized for her “exemplary commitment to meeting the needs of individuals, families and communities” through early childhood childcare training.

Forstadt was also recognized with a first-place Communications Team Award, eastern region, for the “Growing Maine” video series that helps consumers get to know their food sources better, as farmers and producers share their behind-the-scenes perspectives on how decisions are made. In addition to Forstadt, members of the team included Extension webmaster Cindy Eves-Thomas; Extension community education assistant and social media specialist Lynne Holland; Extension project professional Dana Rickman; and Paige Burassa, UMaine new media major who graduated May 2019.

Established in 1934, NEAFCS educates and recognizes Extension professionals who improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities. For more information about UMaine Extension, contact 207.581.3188; extension@maine.edu.

–University of Maine Cooperative Extension

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