WORLAND — In recognition of her involvement in Wyoming Association of Extension 4-H Agents (WAE4-HA), her commitment to professional improvement and commitment to the 4-H Youth Development profession, Amber Armajo was presented with the Meritorious Service Award (MSA) by the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4-HA) in Indianapolis, Indiana, recently.

The 4-H Youth Development Educator in Washakie County since 2002, Armajo enjoys working with youth leaders in her county. She was nominated for this award by WAE4-HA, the 4-H professionals’ association. Armajo has previously served as both vice president and secretary for WAE4-HA.

Armajo was awarded the prestigious Jim DeBree Excellence in Extension award in 2016 in recognition of her exemplary efforts in local, state and national programming.

Armajo said that “providing opportunities and empowering youth are her top priorities of Washakie County 4-H.”

WASHAKIE COUNTY 4-H

In partnership with area adults, Armajo provides educational opportunities in livestock projects, fabric and fashion and the Junior Leaders program. Character Counts education, national 4-H Youth Science Day experiments and National 4-H Week celebrations are among the programs offered. A special focus is providing programs for youth from military families.

In a county where census data indicates 398 households include 6-to 17-year-olds, Armajo leads a 4-H program that includes more than 300 adults and children. She is active with the local camp board and ensures 4-H summer camping programs are widely available. As county coordinator, she acts as a liaison between UW Extension and Washakie County commissioners.

In nominating Armajo for the DeBree award last year, State 4-H Program Coordinator Johnathan Despain wrote, “I have known Amber the entire time she has worked for UW. She has worked hard to do all that she has been asked for the benefit of her

clientele in Washakie County. She has roots as a member of 4-H and has carried that desire to maintain her program in Washakie County. Amber is a hard worker and dedicated to helping her county be the best. She really wants her youth to succeed in 4-H and her volunteers to succeed in their efforts as well. Amber likes to have fun. She is the first one to try and find a way to relax, include others and to enjoy working together.”

A 2008 graduate of the Western 4-H Institute, Armajo has led efforts to support and train newly hired 4-H professionals in western states. She also participated in the Western Extension Leadership Development (WELD) program.

An active member of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents since 2002, Armajo often presents at the annual conference. She received the Distinguished Service Award in 2010 and the Achievement in Service Award in 2007 from this national organization.

Armajo has completed Wyoming LEAD, the leadership development program for young professionals, and the Washakie Institute, a comparable local effort, and has served on the planning boards for both.