By Staff Report
The UF/IFAS Extension Holmes County office is celebrating a year of professional achievement, with three of its agents earning prestigious honors at both the state and national levels. Recognized for excellence in youth development, agriculture, and family and consumer sciences, the team’s accomplishments reflect the depth and impact of Extension programming in Holmes County.
Chris Lauen, Holmes County 4-H Agent, received multiple awards from the Florida Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals (FAE4-HYDP) and the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals (NAE4-HYDP). His recognitions include six state-level awards, one regional win, and a national honor, positioning Holmes County 4-H as a leader in outdoor education, STEM, and youth engagement. Among his accolades were the Communicator Awards of Personal Column and Social Media Piece, the Excellence in Shooting Sports Programming Award, and the Program of Excellence Award for the 4-H Outdoor Adventures Day Camp. Lauen earned the Educational Technology Award as part of a Northwest Florida team and their work was selected as the Southern Region winner. Lauen also earned the Achievement in Service Award, a prestigious national honor for early-career professionals. He was formally recognized at the National 4-H Conference in Atlanta in October of this year.
Kalyn Waters, County Extension Director and Agriculture Agent, was honored by the National Association of County Agriculture Agents (NACAA) for her leadership in livestock education and conservation outreach. In 2024, her team received the National Search for Excellence Award for the Conservation for Generations program, which promotes ecosystem stewardship through youth-mentored hunting and fishing events like the Big Doe Contest and Kids Fishing Day. In 2025, the UF/IFAS Panhandle Cattlemen’s College, a hands-on training initiative co-led by Waters, was named a state winner and national finalist in Extension Programming. The program equips producers with practical skills in beef cattle management, including artificial insemination certification and Beef Quality Assurance.
Judy Corbus, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, earned two team awards from the National Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences. Her team’s Environmental Education Award received state-level recognition, while a second project, focused on Extension Housing and Outreach, was honored nationally. Corbus’s work continues to support Holmes County families through education in housing, sustainability, and consumer well-being.
Together, these achievements underscore the Holmes County Extension Office’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and service across diverse program areas. From agriculture and conservation to youth development and family education, the UF/IFAS Holmes County team continues to make a lasting impact in the community and beyond.
Ali Moreland 