Paige Petticrew wins first place at state conference for a feature story highlighting youth gardening program in Lenoir County
By Paige Petticrew
Paige Petticrew, Consumer Horticulture Agent for Lenoir County Cooperative Extension, earned first place in the Feature Story category during the Communications Award Luncheon at the 2025 North Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agents (NCACAA) this summer. Her winning piece, originally published by Neuse News on September 19, 2024 spotlighted the impactful work of the Extension Master Gardener Volunteers (EMGV) of Lenoir County and their passion for youth education through horticulture.
The NCACAA Communications Awards program recognizes excellence in sharing the story of Extension work across North Carolina. These awards are more than just certificates—they acknowledge the skill, creativity, and effort that go into effectively telling the public about programs that strengthen communities, support agriculture, and enhance quality of life.
Strong communication helps bridge the gap between Extension programs and the people they serve. Whether through news articles, photography, radio, video, or social media, these stories bring awareness to the resources available, celebrate local achievements, and inspire others to get involved. Winning a state-level award demonstrates that the message not only reached an audience but did so in a compelling and impactful way.
For Petticrew, the award affirms the value of showcasing the work of the Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Lenoir County and their commitment to youth education. “When we take the time to share these stories well, we not only honor the volunteers and participants, but we also inspire others to learn, grow, and connect with their community,” she said.
The story focused on the Junior Master Gardener (JMG) Program, a hands-on summer course designed to immerse youth in the world of plants, soil, insects, and environmental stewardship. The curriculum was developed by Texas A&M and adopted by Lenoir County EMGVs. Petticrew’s article brought to life the energy and creativity behind this two-week camp.
Images and details in her feature captured moments from the 2024 program, including a field trip to NC State University where participants explored greenhouses, soil pits, and the agroecology farm. The story also highlighted youth tie-dyeing shirts after learning about natural vs. synthetic dyes, planting Venus fly traps, engaging with an insect pinning activity, and even taking on the role of bugs as part of their learning experience.
In addition to horticulture, the program incorporates important life skills like public speaking, teamwork, and critical thinking. Campers research herbs and deliver peer presentations, work collaboratively on projects, and even visit the local landfill to understand waste management and environmental responsibility.
“The Junior Master Gardener program is more than just about plants. It’s about growing confident, curious, and capable young people,” Petticrew said. “Our EMGVs pour their hearts into this program, and it’s an honor to tell their story and see it recognized.”
The article emphasized the interdepartmental support that strengthens the program. Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS), 4-H, and horticulture agents from Lenoir County Extension all contribute to teaching and mentoring during the camp.
This award from NCACAA not only celebrates excellence in agricultural communication but also shines a light on the collaborative community work being done in Lenoir County to educate and inspire the next generation through gardening.
Read the original article here.
For more on the EMGVs and their local programming and local Cooperative Extension events, call the extension office or follow us on Facebook!
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