Johnston County 4-H Agent Honored For Excellence

SMITHFIELD — Meredith Wood, 4-H Youth Development Agent with NC Cooperative Extension in Johnston County, was recognized for her outstanding contributions during the 2025 North Carolina Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals (NCAE4-HYDP) Annual Conference on August 27, in Burlington, NC.

Wood received the Communicator Award for Social Media Package/Campaign – Individual for her creative leadership in promoting the Johnston County 4-H Farm to Fork Summer Camp. Her engaging social media campaign, featuring Instagram Reels and strong partnerships with local community groups, reached over 4,200 viewers.

In addition to her communications award, Wood was honored with the Specialty Award for Excellence in Animal Science. In 2024, she played a key role in the success of the Johnston County 4-H Embryology Curriculum by visiting classrooms, delivering hands-on enrichment activities, and fostering student engagement.

The North Carolina Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals supports the Extension 4-H profession across the state. The 4-H program, part of North Carolina Cooperative Extension based at NC State and North Carolina A&T State Universities, serves more than 260,000 young people aged 5 to 18 each year, supported by 16,700 adult and youth volunteers.