This fall, the University of Wyoming Extension recognized administrative professionals in Park and Albany counties for their positivity, dedication, and professionalism.

Awards were presented Wednesday, Nov. 5, at an annual Extension conference in Laramie.

Park County administrative assistant receives Bright Future Award

The Bright Future Award celebrates the efforts of UW Extension administrative professionals with five or less years of experience. This year’s recipient is Sabina Wyse of Park County.

In Wyse’s four years as an administrative professional with Park County Extension, she has provided stability and continuity for the office. During a period of transition between Park County 4-H educators, Wyse informally carried out many 4-H educator responsibilities, including communicating with volunteers and organizing 4-H events, like county fair.

Wyse is skilled with social media, graphic design, and other online tools. She frequently fields questions from fellow administrative assistants in other counties. She also helps facilitate pesticide applicator testing.

“Every office can tell you that having a highly skilled and effective individual in this position is critical to the success of the office, educators, and programs,” says Jeremiah Vardiman, assistant coordinator of UW Extension’s pesticide safety education program. “This is the case with Sabina, and the Park County Extension office benefits greatly from her personality, skills, community and clientele relationships, and her dedication to the position.”

Albany County professional named administrative professional of the year

Sarah Gonzalez, a member of the Albany County extension office, earned UW Extension’s highest administrative staff award, Administrative Professional of the Year.

Gonzalez has been a valuable member of the Albany County team since the beginning of her time with UW Extension in 2019. In 2022, she was the recipient of the Bright Future Award, and she has continued to excel within her position.

As the first point of contact for the Albany County extension office, Gonzalez goes above and beyond to help those around her, from staying late to assist a 4-H club member to handling last-minute requests from clientele.

Gonzalez’s dedication to carrying out each of her responsibilities with special care and attention ensures that Albany County Extension is a welcoming space and keeps the office running smoothly. She consistently finds new, creative ways to complete her tasks.

“To say that Sarah is the glue that holds our office together would be an understatement,” says Amanda Dougherty, 4-H youth development educator with Albany County Extension. “No matter the task, Sarah meets every situation head-on with positivity, professionalism, and grace.”