Wilkinson completes duties as MEAFCS statewide president

Franklin County Extension Service Agent Cynthia Wilkinson has successfully completed a one-year term as MEAFCS — an acronym for Mississippi Extension Association of Family and Consumer Science — organizational president.

“It was an honor to represent the group at the state level and make leadership trips to Kansas City, Mo., and Raleigh, N.C., where I got to meet a lot of people and the opportunity to bring back information about what is being done in other states with programs as well as curriculum,” Wilkinson said.

The national organization, of which Mississippi is part, has been in existence for almost 90 years and seeks to educate and recognize Extension Service professionals from across the United States that impact the quality of life for individuals, families and communities.

The presidency of the state group was a natural progression for Wilkinson, who also serves on Mississippi State University’s board overseeing the Family and Consumer Science program.

“Our effort is to make FCS viable for years to come and to build involvement in the outreach across Mississippi and the country,” she said.

“FCS covers a wide range of areas across the state, including child care providing and ServSafe training for food service professionals. Locally, our program focuses on skills such as sewing, home canning education and equipment testing along with food and nutrition education.”

Wilkinson said her year as president reminded her that leadership is never something that can be taken lightly.

“It was a learning experience for me and I hope that I brought some things to FCS that will help it grow,” she went on to say.

“Besides my national trips, there were visits to Jackson and Starkville, which I also enjoyed.”

Wilkinson has also received another honor as she was recognized for “Innovative Youth Development,” which cited her summer sewing program for children in Franklin County as one of the best initiatives in Mississippi.

As one of the top programs of its kind in the Magnolia State, Wilkinson’s sewing class advanced to nationals where it was considered with other community-driven educational programs.

“I had 12 kids go through the program this year, and it is something that I look forward to teaching,” she added. “Our goal is to grow that number so that more youth can learn this basic life skill.”

Wilkinson, who will mark her 26th year with the Mississippi State University Extension Service in January, said her job — with its many nuances — has been rewarding primarily due to the relationships she has built through the years.

“It’s now where I am working with the children and grandchildren of those I spent time with when I started,” she continued with a chuckle.

“It can also make you feel your age, but it is rewarding to see the Extension Service and its programs continuing to meet the needs in our community.”