Delaware 4-H - Sen. Gary Simpson

Retired from the Delaware Senate and the University of Delaware, Sen. Gary Simpson was recognized for his support of the Delaware 4-H program through his 20+ years as a Delaware state senator and for his equally long career serving as an officer at the Delaware State Fair, an important venue for Delaware 4-H participants.

As a  4-H’er in his youth, it is not surprising that a significant portion of his support surrounds Delaware’s largest youth program. Simpson understands that the State Fair is the ultimate showcase for youth, where families take pride in the work accomplished. 

A visible volunteer champion for more than 20 years at the Junior Livestock Auction held at the fairgrounds each summer, Simpson assures that youth exhibitors receive the highest value for their animal. 

The impact and value of this one effort alone is remarkable. In 2024, his volunteer efforts in securing funding for youth at the Junior Livestock Auction surpassed $42,000. This amount came from over seventy sponsors from whom Simspon received commitments. 

Overall, Simpson’s efforts and support are immeasurable. His advocacy for Delaware Cooperative Extension in the General Assembly ensured that UD Extension remained a priority in the minds of his fellow legislators. (WC 199)

Lawn and Garden - Jack Layton

Jack Layton, owner and operator of Layton Professional Care in Newark was recognized for his support of Extension’s Lawn and Garden program area. Layton is a green industry professional who manages turfgrass systems for both residential and commercial properties in New Castle and Kent counties. Prior to becoming a lawn care operator Layton was a restaurant and hospitality professional. 

In 1984 Layton hung up his chef’s apron and began his green industry career with a nationally recognized lawn care company. From 1984 to 1990 he absorbed all he could about managing turfgrass systems while working and training on the job. In 1990, Layton decided he was ready to start his own business with a partner, and in 2006 he assumed sole ownership and Layton’s Professional Care was born.

Since taking over as sole owner/operator, Layton successfully exceeds his customers' expectations, providing them with exceptional stands of turf in an environmentally-sound manner. An active member in the Delaware Nursery & Landscape Association since 2013, he also served as treasurer and president of the Delaware Grounds Management Association. Layton is recognized as an industry leader, and graciously serves as an evangelist of the Delaware Liveable Lawns program since he became a certified applicator in 2012.

Jack Layton is the epitome of an environmental steward. He is the consummate professional and religiously incorporates best management practices into his standard operating procedures and all that he does. 

Health and Well-Being -  Midline Oware

Midline Oware was recognized for her support in Exension’s Health and Well-Being program outreach, particularly in the town of Seaford, where her trust-building skills are crucial. Her work as a community advocate with the Haitian Coalition of Delaware provided opportunities for Extension to better understand the challenges facing local Haitian communities and implement programming that met their needs.

In addition, Oware increased the reach of the EXCITE project, especially by providing translation services. Oware helped connect Extension to the Seaford Library to conduct programming for grants and other programs. 

Oware is the program leader for Children and Families First’s Seaford Community of Hope program with a goal to improve the health of residents in two government housing communities.Her partnership with Extension continues to flourish, supporting a shared vision of healthy communities through changes to environments and improving knowledge through direct education. 

The Extension programs that Oware supports span substance abuse education, mindfulness,  Expanded Food and Nutrition Educational Programs,summer programs, horticulture, community dinners, financial literacy classes, mental well-being and other agriculture and 4-H programming. 

Her efforts have impacted Extension outreach with community gardens, hunger relief, healthy living, and mental health resilience.  Oware understands the complexity of health and the importance of sharing information with the community, all while increasing community and environmental support for healthy living. 

As a valued partner, Oware’s involvement across a multitude of programs empowers Delaware Cooperative Extension staff to improve program delivery and share valuable information alongside cultural relevance.

Agriculture - Michael Short 

Michael Short was recognized for his communication skills in promoting Extension agriculture programs. A long-time, stalwart supporter of Delaware Cooperative Extension programs, his articles go a long way in raising public awareness of Extension. 

A former news editor at the Cape Gazette and Sussex Post, Short possesses a nose for a good story, most often about agriculture. Today he is a freelance writer and journalist, contributing to Lancaster Farming, a regional publication with a circulation of over 50,000 readers from Virginia to Maine. 

At Extension events, Short is often in the audience, camera over his shoulder, pen and pad in hand taking notes for a future well-crafted story. For years, he’s walked through rows of crops, rode tour wagons and interviewed our experts. 

At one summer event, Short agreed on the spur of the moment to record a testimony about Extension. Unrehearsed, his comments— in one take— in the middle of a corn field were heartfelt and spot on:

“Extension for me means a lot as a journalist. It means a lot of good story ideas, a lot of good information about topics that impact our world. Everything from 4-H, to Food Safety, to ways to grow food more efficiently and economically to help feed a hungry world. Extension means knowledge, it means ideas, it means information that can really help the agriculture community, and that is something that can help our entire community.”

We thank Michael Short for always being in the field and helping Delaware Extension get their information out to where it is needed.  For always championing and celebrating Extension efforts. 

Congratulations to all of our UD Friend of Extension Award honorees. We thank you for celebrating Delaware Cooperative Extension. With this recognition we have an opportunity to celebrate you.