It is with great pleasure that we announce Meredith Byers as the West Unit 2025 EFNEP Golden Star Recipient. Golden Stars are honored for their support and their contributions to EFNEP in their counties.

Over the past three years that EFNEP has been present in Rutherford County, Mrs. Byers has been our most steadfast and supporting partner with Rutherford Early College. Due to the support given by both Mrs. Byers and Rutherford Early College, EFNEP ran a pilot of the Fuel For Life curriculum and was also able to receive great feedback from the students as they practiced the recipes and worked through the brand new work books. This allowed us to improve the new program and improved implementation throughout our state.

After this resounding success, Mrs. Byers, who has an active leadership role in the NC Alliance for Athletics Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Dance and Sports Management (NCAAHPERD) recommended EFNEP present at their yearly conference. She believed that this opportunity would allow other teachers to hear about EFNEP and partner with their respective EFNEP Educators in their counties. Because of her involvement, EFNEP was able to reach many other health and physical education professionals throughout the state and help become a more visible entity within our communities.

Thank you Mrs. Byers for all that you do!