LISBON FALLS — Kristy Ouellette, UMaine associate Extension professor in 4-H youth development in Androscoggin and Sagadahoc counties, will be recognized with a national 4-H award for outstanding achievement in creating opportunities for young people in Maine last year. She will receive the National Distinguished Service Award for having been actively engaged for seven years or more in Extension 4-H youth programs.

Ouellette, who joined the UMaine Extension faculty in 2008, has been a leader in 4-H STEM initiatives; the new 4-H Children, Youth and Families at Risk project; and Tech Wizards, a youth mentoring project through the national 4-H Council with federal funding from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

Her work has led to more than $1.7 million in grant funding supporting Maine youths.

The award will be presented at the 4-H national conference in New Orleans on Oct. 13.