Willson Receives "Friend of CCE" Award From Cornell Cooperative Extension

The Camden Central School District is proud to announce that Brianne Willson, a sixth grade mathematics teacher at Camden Middle School, has received the “Friend of CCE” award from the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County. The honor was bestowed at the organization’s Annual Meeting, which took place on October 22nd in New Hartford. 

While primarily a mathematics teacher, Willson’s educational pursuits also shine through in another area she’s passionate about: Agriculture. When she’s not teaching, Willson spends a lot of time on her dairy farm and knows the industry inside and out. The award showcases her contributions in agriculture education, along with her work with 4-H Youth Programming. 

In explaining the reasons behind Willson’s award, CCE noted her presence as an early adopter and supporter of its “Ag in the Classroom” programming, her willingness to incorporate CCE lessons into her classroom, and the agricultural knowledge she brings to those experiences. At CMS, she created an after-school pumpkin program reaching approximately 25 students, and her commitment to bringing agricultural lessons to class was a springboard for the District to expand agriculture and FFA programming. In addition, she volunteers as a project judge for the Boonville-Oneida County Fair, and runs the adult showmanship event that raises money for 4-H Dairy Programming. She does all of this while balancing teaching, farming, and family. 

“When our team recommended Brianne, they described her as “a role model, fierce, and almost unstoppable,” 4-H Team Lead Jennifer Reynolds said. “... Our team appreciates how she advocates for youth and agricultural education through her actions, and we were delighted to recognize that commitment!”

For Willson, the commitment she demonstrates is all about paying the opportunity forward. 

“I was truly humbled to receive this award,” she said. “Being recognized as a ‘Friend of 4-H’ means so much to me because supporting 4-H and encouraging youth in agriculture are things I genuinely believe in and am passionate about. Growing up, 4-H provided me with so many incredible opportunities that helped shape who I am today. I hope to give back to the program by sharing my knowledge, experiences, and passion with the next generation and helping other youth have those same meaningful opportunities.”