New York 4-H member wins national award

March 30, 2015

Nosa Akol during her 2014 summer internship with the Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health at Cornell, where she served as a biological science aide.

Nosa Akol, a leader in the 4-H CITIZEN U program in Broome County, is the recipient of the  2015 4-H Youth in Action Award, the organization’s highest youth honor. Nosa, originally from South Sudan, is a senior at Binghamton High School.

Nosa's CITIZEN U projects included the Great Pothole Solution Project for the city of Binghamton and a nutrition education program to help local grade schoolers adopt healthier lifestyles.

She was chosen from more than 80 candidates for driving positive community change, empowering peers and overcoming personal challenges. Along with the award’s $10,000 scholarship, Nosa will be honored at National 4-H Council’s sixth annual Legacy Awards April 23 in Washington, D.C.

Jennifer Sirangelo, National 4-H Council president and CEO, praised Nosa, saying:

We could not be more proud to recognize Nosa as this year’s 4-H Youth in Action Award Winner. She exemplifies the life-changing impact of the 4-H experience and represents millions of confident 4-H’ers all over the U.S. who are empowered with the life skills to tackle personal and community challenges today and to thrive in their careers tomorrow.

New York 4-H'er earns top prize for youth engagement - Cornell Chronicle