A select few of exemplary N.C. Cooperative Extension FCS Agents have earned the esteemed title as a Safe Plates Distinguished Educator in either our Retail Food Safety track, Home Food Preservation track or both. This title recognizes their advancement in food safety programming and collaboration efforts. Safe Plates Distinguished Educators have established multiple partnerships to co-teach and/or mentor other Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agents in their district to ensure others have the confidence to teach more difficult food safety concepts. This means that they serve as a trusted key role to the Safe Plates Food Safety team to propel and strengthen food safety programming efforts across the state.
Retail Food Safety Track
Meleah Evers, Columbus County - Earned in 2022
Der Holcomb, Alexander County - Earned in 2022
Andrea Sherrill, Iredell County - Earned in 2022
Avery Ashley, Brunswick County - Earned in 2023
Savannah Meyers, Stokes County - Earned in 2023
Mary Morris, Chowan County - Earned in 2023
Cheryle Syracuse, FCS Support Staff, Brunswick County - Earned in 2023
Tara Gregory, Chatham County - Earned in 2024
Home Food Preservation Track
Hayley Cowell, Stanly County - Earned in 2022
Sarah Ware, Jones and Onslow Counties - Earned in 2022
Avery Ashley, Brunswick County - Earned in 2023
Taylor Crumpler, Wilson County - Earned in 2023
Der Holcomb, Alexander County - Earned in 2023
Mary Morris, Chowan County - Earned in 2023
Andrea Sherrill, Iredell County - Earned in 2023
Stephanie Stevenson, Craven and Carteret Counties - Earned in 2024
Vincent Webb, Guilford County - Earned in 2024
Cheri Bennett, Richmond County - Earned in 2025
Cathy Hohenstein, Buncombe and McDowell Counties - Earned in 2025
Virginia Lopez, Forsyth County - Earned in 2025
Ashley Szilvay, Lee County - Earned in 2025
Past Distinguished Educators
Elisa Phillips, Wilkes County - Retail Track earned in 2024 (inactive)
Julie Sawyer, Haywood County - Retail Track earned in 2023 (inactive)
Gwen Williams, Johnston County - HFP Track earned in 2023 (inactive)
