July 29, 2025
Shout Out: Heather Beachner, Hollie Yoho, and Southwind Staff
This week the Shout Out is from Tara Solomon-Smith, Southwind District Family and Community Wellness Agent; and is sent for Heather Beachner, Hollie Yoho, and Southwind Staff. Tara writes:
"A big shoutout to Heather Beachner for her incredible support with this year’s Walk Kansas program! Heather did an outstanding job handling forms, sharing information, tracking finances, and putting together fun, creative weekly incentives that kept participants motivated.
Kudos also to Hollie Yoho for coordinating and leading eight three-day Kids Cooking Camps across all four counties! She delivered engaging, hands-on experiences for youth—while also managing volunteers, registration, grocery runs, and instruction.
I’d also like to recognize our incredible colleagues, each of whom helps Southwind K-State Extension soar by leaning into their unique strengths:
• Krista Harding – for securing funding for cooking camps and consistently supporting all staff efforts
• Lea Kay Karleskint – for building meaningful and diverse partnerships that strengthen our impact
• Sandy Haggard – for enhancing programming with essential tools and resources
• Shelly Wagner – for diligently tracking programming and grant dollars
• Andrea Hilyard – for creating and sharing timely, relevant communication
• Amanda Clasen – for being a true community champion and stepping in wherever needed
• Jennifer Terrell – for expertly managing all things 4-H, even while adjusting to life with a newborn
• Kendel Henson – for authentically connecting with youth and meeting them where they are
• Cherri Walrod – for showing the power of persistence in everything she does
• Hunter Nickell & Lonnie Mengarelli – for fearlessly stepping up, even outside their roles and comfort zones
• Casey Diver – for bringing warmth and beauty to our office spaces
• Pat Simpson – for keeping our 4-H programs running smoothly and organized
No one can excel at everything alone—but together, we can make a real difference!"
Southwind Extension District Professionals -- thanks for all you do for the people of Kansas, our colleagues and K-State Extension.
If you know of a colleague or team of colleagues who deserve recognition for a job well done, why not nominate them for a Shout Out. Simply send their name(s) and the reason for the Shout Out to ksreshoutout@ksu.edu.
Shout Out submissions are published in the order they are received.