(10/13/26) BATON ROUGE, La. — LSU AgCenter nutrition and community health agents were recently recognized for distinguished service and outstanding programs at the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Annual Session in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Brittney Newsome, nutrition and community health agent in Richland and West Carroll parishes, received the distinguished service award for her Extension programs, leadership and professional and personal growth.

The award acknowledged Newsome’s recent work with the program, Walking Out West, Integrating Nutrition and Physical Activity in West Carroll Parish for Whole Body Wellness. West Carroll Parish currently ranks 59th out of 64 parishes in Louisiana health factors according to County Health Rankings and Roadmaps. To address this, Newsome worked with the West Carroll Parish Nutrition and Community Health Advisory Leadership Committee to implement fitness classes and combine them with walking programs.

Newsome said by integrating various health topics into the walking sessions, participants learn how to make healthier choices that directly impact their ability to maintain an active lifestyle and improve their overall well-being.

“I’m grateful for this recognition, but the real reward is seeing the impact these programs have on the people I serve,” Newsome said. “When community members gain knowledge, build healthier habits and feel empowered to make positive changes for themselves and their families, that’s when you know the work is making a difference. Being able to support healthier, stronger communities is what makes Extension work so meaningful to me.”

Nutrition and community health agents Cathy Agan, Brittney Newsome and Markaye Russell, along with northeast regional coordinator Quincy Vidrine, received the School Wellness Award for their Read and Ride program.

Through the program, stationary bikes with attached desks were placed in selected schools and libraries in Caldwell, Franklin, Ouachita, Richland and Union parishes. Youth and adults were encouraged to read books while riding bikes. Participants were provided with tracking logs and earned charms as incentives for completing the logs and challenges. They were also encouraged to complete additional challenges such as trying a new fruit or vegetable.

“It has been fun to see how the kids have responded to reading while riding the bikes and to hear so many of them say it has helped them enjoy both physical activity and reading more than they did before Read and Ride came to their schools,” Agan said.

A team of nutrition and community health regional coordinators, agents and a state specialist were chosen to present at the annual session about the Germ Cave program.

The team included Vidrine; Newsome; Shakera Williams, agent in Webster Parish; Sandra May, state office curriculum coordinator; and Jennifer Duhon, coordinator for the Central Region.

The Germ Cave is an evidence-based educational tool designed to teach youth and adults the importance of proper handwashing in preventing the spread of germs and illness while promoting personal hygiene and food safety practices.

Vidrine said through engaging, hands-on learning experiences, participants gain a better understanding of how germs are transmitted and how simple hygiene behaviors can protect individual and community health.

Brittney Newsome, nutrition and community health agent in Richland and West Carroll parishes, received the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences distinguished service award from Carla Farrand, vice president of awards and recognition, at the organization’s annual session in Knoxville, Tennessee, on Oct. 1. Photo by Elizabeth Martin

Nutrition and community health agents Markaye Russell, Cathy Agan, Brittney Newsome, and northeast region coordinator Quincy Vidrine received the School Wellness Award for their Read and Ride Program from Dianne Christensen, center, president of the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, at the organization’s annual session in Knoxville, Tennessee, on Oct. 1. Photo by Elizabeth Martin

Brittney Newsome, Sandra May, Shakira Williams, Jennifer Duhon and Quincy Vidrine presented about the Germ Cave at the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Annual Session in Knoxville, Tennessee. Photo by Elizabeth Martin