Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service presented its Superior Service Award to two Fort Bend County employees on July 16 at the state's Texas 4-H headquarters in Bryan. Honored were Lorraine Niemeyer and Brandy Rader. The Superior Service Award is the highest recognition given to AgriLife Extension Service employees in honor of their exemplary service and programming.

"Service is at the core of AgriLife Extension and the very heart of the land-grant mission," said Rick Avery, AgriLife Extension director, Bryan-College Station. "Our awardees reflect the highest standards of our agency."

Rader of Needville has worked for the Extension Service for 14 years. In awarding the honor, the state said: "Rader is an asset to AgriLife Extension's program in Fort Bend. One of her favorite quotes comes from Audrey Hepburn who said, "to plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow." She provides the highest level of service and care for valuable volunteers. Her kindness and resolve are the perfect combination to keep Fort Bend's Master Gardener and Master Naturalist programs thriving and active."

"I'm truly honored and humbled to receive the Superior Service Award,” Rader said. “Supporting the work of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career, and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Fort Bend County. This recognition reflects not only my efforts but also the support and encouragement of the amazing colleagues, volunteers and community members I've had the privilege to work alongside. It inspires me to continue serving with dedication and making a positive difference in our community."

Since 2022, Niemeyer has served as an administrative assistant in AgriLife Extension's Fort Bend County office. In recognizing her for the award, the state said: "She has significantly increased the productivity of the agriculture and horticulture unit by improving processes that support major events, including the Pecan Show and Pecan Harvest Festival, the AG'tivity Barn and the Vegetable Conference, all the while maintaining day-to-day operations professionally and efficiently. She is solution-oriented and committed to documenting processes that help the next person get a head start."

Niemeyer, a Village of Fairchilds resident, said, "Receiving the AgriLife Superior Service Award is a profound honor. I am incredibly moved by our director's kind words for the nomination and the beautiful commendation letters given for it. Having the award presented by Dr. Rick Avery made the moment even more meaingful, as we have been classmates since our grade school and high school days. I am filled with gratitude for the recognition and for the wonderful team support at the ceremony. Supporting this staff and community is a privilege and I am truly humbled. It's a moment i will not forget."