Dr. Kendriana Price, University of Kentucky Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, presented Oster with the award.
During the 2024 Kentucky Volunteer Forum, Lourdes Oster, the ELL Instructor at Murray Independent School District (MISD), received the Kentucky 4-H Hall of Fame I.D.E.A (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility) award for her work with the 4-H Juntos Program at Murray High School. Dr. Kendriana Price, University of Kentucky Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, presented Oster with the award.
Oster said she is grateful for the honor of receiving this award for implementing the Juntos program in the Murray Independent School District. “It's a testament to the collective effort and dedication of several MISD employees, including Whitney York, Mechelle Morgan, and Sara Silvestre, and our 4-H extension representative Calyn Colston. I am excited to participate and witness in the continued progress and positive impact this program brings to our Hispanic and Latino students and their families.”
When approached with the 4-H Juntos program, Oster collaborated with Mechelle Morgan, MISD Director of Instructional Technology, and Sarah Sylvestre, MHS Spanish Teacher. They took the idea and organized and implemented the program, that resulted in workshops and translation for parents at each session as well. Oster also updated the Spanish version of each PowerPoint, so all parents now have access to the school specific information. Whitney York, MISD assistant superintendent, also assisted in explaining graduation requirements to students and parents.
The Juntos 4-H program, has successfully reached the Hispanic/Latino families and youth, bridging the gap between high school and the student’s post-secondary aspirations. Overall, eight youth from seven different families graduated from the 4-H Juntos Program.