Pasco Extension Agent Honored at National Conference

When Betsy Crisp isn’t helping coordinate the Land O’ Lakes Coastal Cleanup, she’s generally found hard at work planning out other special events or heading up classes for more than 7,000 Pasco County residents each year.

Crisp, who serves as the Pasco County Extension Office’s family and consumer sciences agent, was recently honored for her efforts during the National Extension Association for Family and Consumer Sciences 2011 annual session. Crisp was named the Southern Region Extension award winner during the conference in New Mexico. Earlier in the year, she was named Educator of the Year at the Extensions Professionals Associations of Florida annual conference.

Crisp said she is honored by the recognition, but didn’t earn the awards by herself.

“I have a lot of people to thank for their encouragement and support,” she said. “Too many to name individually, but I do hope that they know who they are.”

According to B.J. Jarvis, director of Pasco’s extension office, the southeast award is a big accomplishment.

“It is a real honor for Pasco Extension professionals such as Betsy Crisp to be honored as the ‘best in the southeast,’” she said. “The recognition recognizes the extraordinary efforts Betsy and her team give to Pasco citizens each day. Especially during these tough economic times, Pasco residents are looking for ways of stretching their food dollar and living healthier lifestyles. Betsy's efforts share sound, research-based methods to live better.”

Crisp has dedicated 23 years to Pasco County, working on a variety of programs for children and adults. She plays host to about 175 lectures and special events each year, coming in contact with more than 7,000 residents.

For more information about Pasco County Extension programs, visit the agency’s website.