ExtensionCorps volunteer honored by ServeNebraska

November 9, 2015

Lincoln, Neb. — Jonnisha McCleod, a 2014-2015 AmeriCorps Service Scholar in the Nebraska Extension ExtensionCorps program, has been honored as a finalist for a ServeNebraska Step Forward Award in the National Service Volunteer category. 

During the service year, McCleod taught more than 3,000 youth in the Omaha metro about healthy food and physical activity choices. She delivered nutritional programs in child care centers, Omaha Public School after-school programs, Bank for the Heartland feeding sites and many others. 

"Jonnisha served as a dedicated and outgoing ExtensionCorps member who went above and beyond to assure she did her job well,” said Carrie Schneider-Miller, Douglas-Sarpy counties extension educator and McCleod's supervisor and mentor. "Her commitment resulted in Omaha youth learning about good nutrition and making healthier choices."

ExtensionCorps is an AmeriCorps program that helps Nebraska Extension extend its reach in communities across the state. ExtensionCorps members provide direct service to youth and communities through nutrition education and science education programs. Six volunteers participated in the ExtensionCorps program during the 2014-2015 service year and Nebraska Extension is hoping to have 18 volunteers in the program in the 2015-2016 service year, according to extension educator Ashley Mueller. 

"Members gain real-life experience with youth and hands-on teaching experience," Mueller said. "They are talented individuals who devote themselves to addressing some of our state's most pressing needs through service."

The ServeNebraska Step Forward Awards recognize significant contributions made within the state through volunteerism, recognizing outstanding people and groups for reliably providing essential support in their communities. Honorees were submitted via a nomination process and then selected by Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts. The awards luncheon was Oct. 30 at the Lodge at Mahoney State Park. Ricketts and ServeNebraska representatives presented the awards. 

For more information on the ExtensionCorps program, visit http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/southeast/extensioncorps or contact Ashley Mueller at 402-624-8000 or ashley.mueller@unl.edu.