CWU AMONG THOSE HONORED BY 4-H EXTENSION AGENTS

November 2, 2006

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Every year since 1925, "Día de los Niños" - the Day of the Child - has been celebrated throughout Mexico to recognize children and their importance in society, and to safeguard their well being. A committee of Ellensburg citizens is now being honored for bringing the concept to Kittitas County.

During the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4-HA) awards banquet in Oct. 25 in Milwaukee, the Día de los Niños planning committee - comprised of representatives of the Central Washington University's College of Education and Professional Studies and education department, WSU Extension and the Ellensburg School District - received the national Diversity Award, which recognizes outstanding effort and accomplishments in achieving and sustaining diversity in the NAE4-HA organization, programs and/or audiences.

The committee was selected from among all nominees that advanced through the state and regional levels of the national competition. The award came with a $500 cash prize, provided by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, which will be used for Kittitas County's 2007 event.

Día de los Niños, which focuses on youth, diversity and literacy, has been celebrated during each of the last three years in Ellensburg. Activities have been conducted by CWU pre-service teachers, WSU Extension volunteers and local citizens and have included activities for the kindergarten through middle school students such as storytelling, face painting, plays, music, hands-on craft projects and science experiments.

"Without the energy, enthusiasm and efforts of our CWU students, this multicultural fiesta would not take place," says Dr. Cathrene Connery, CWU education professor and Día de los Niños planning committee member.

A total of 650 children and family members attended the 2006 event, up from 500 in 2005 and 200 in 2004. The Día de los Niños planning committee is already planning the 2007 event.

Contact: Dr. Cathrene Connery (509-963-1281/fax 509-963-1162/e-mail: conneryc@cwu.edu)