The three honors are the Patrick “Bird” Kerr Award, the Walter Lacks Award, and the Kelly Johnson-Eilola Award.

The Patrick “Bird” Kerr Award was awarded to Casey Caswell, who was nominated by multiple colleagues. Caswell serves as Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County’s Health and Nutrition Issue Leader, SNAP-Ed Program Manager, and Association Director of Operations. Her colleagues state, “Casey is one of the most amazing and hard-working individuals who completes every professional and personal task with integrity. Her selflessness, impeccable work ethic, and dedication to mission is reflected in how successfully the region operates as a team... She promotes overall positive mental and physical wellbeing of employees in the office setting. [Casey] inspires others to good health through sincere and caring acts, without pretense or arrogance. She has been a supporter of the Health Initiative for years... and embodies the spirit of the mission.”

The recipient of the Walter Lacks Award is Cathy Carr, retired teacher and current GardenShare volunteer. Her nominator remarks, “In 2012 Cathy was [selected] New York State Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year... even though she is now retired, her heart and efforts continue to embrace educating our community, especially youth, around our food system. As a member of GardenShare’s Outreach and Education Committee, she supports annual Agricultural Literacy Week activities, initiated a StoryWalk® program, and co-developed the Veggie Adventure Run as part of the organization’s Fight Hunger Fair and 5K during Hunger Action Month. Cathy is also a gardener and a walker and is devoted to her family and friends."

The Kelly Johnson-Eilola Award is awarded to Rico Dobbs, Program Coordinator with Advancing Tobacco Free Communities in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties at the Seaway Valley Prevention Council. His nominator notes, “Rico has presented at numerous schools within the tri-county area about the dangers of tobacco use and how to help today's youth quit vaping. He is always willing to help with program events and is a reliable source for our youth. Rico also coaches youth football and is committed to helping get the best out of his players, day in and day out... Rico is personable, dedicated, and always working with a positive attitude. His commitment is unmatched, and he will strive to help anyone in need, especially the youth he works with every day.”

To learn more about the awards, the Health Initiative, or National Rural Health Day, please visit the Health Initiative website at gethealthyslc.org, on Facebook @healthinitiative, or call 315-261-4760.