Volunteer Dave Van Vorst Receives the 2016 Leadership Award

COURT HOUSE – The Extension Advisory Council of Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County honored volunteer Dave Van Vorst with the 2016 Leadership Award. Dave received the award for his outstanding leadership and volunteerism connected with each of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Program areas: Agriculture and Resource Management, Family and Community Health Sciences and 4-H Youth Development.  The award was presented to Dave by Linda Spengler, Extension Advisory Council Chair during the opening ceremony of the 4-H Fair July 21, 2016.
Linda Spengler, Extension Advisory Council Chair said, “Dave was chosen unanimously by the Family and Community Health Sciences, 4-H Youth Development and Agriculture and Resource Management program areas for his tireless efforts as a Rutgers Cooperative Extension volunteer.”  His qualifications and outstanding achievements are countless, from providing leadership to the Agriculture Community to currently serving as the Cape May County Board of Agriculture President. He is also a vital member of the Cape May County Extension Advisory Council. For many years, Dave has supervised the Board of Agriculture BBQ during the 4-H Fair…through all types of weather conditions.  As a 2014-15 Food Day Committee member, he was instrumental in ensuring its success from start to finish!”  Spengler added, “Dave has supported the 4-H community in numerous events, and we’re pleased to recognize him for his positive involvement in community organizations and his dedication to the public.”
David Van Vorst is man of action. Over the years he has contributed countless hours to all three program areas of Rutgers Cooperative Extension. He truly cares about the future of agriculture and our community and he shows this through all of his time and dedication to supporting others.
Dave firmly believes in supporting our local youth and encouraging them to get involved in agriculture. Last year, Dave initiated the first ever Cape May County Corn Maze to support our local 4-H program. He planted and tended the crop and led the whole project which was a huge success, and fun for all of us involved. 
As the President of the Cape May County Board of Agriculture, David Van Vorst continues to be a respected voice on behalf of the farmers of Cape May County. He is known throughout the state for his positive attitude and practical solutions to complex problems. Dave is also the President of the Cape May County Beach Plum Association where he leads local farmers in learning more about this native and emerging crop. His leadership has led to a $40,000 grant from the US Department of Agriculture to conduct research and promotion of the beach plum, Cape May County’s official fruit. 
Additionally, Dave has provided instrumental support to the Family and Community Health Sciences program area by serving on the leadership team for Food Day each year.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension is honored to have the support of someone so dedicated to action as Dave Van Vorst. He believes that we owe it to our future farmers to ensure that they will have the opportunity to be economically successful. And that instead of telling youth and farmers what they cannot do, we should all unite to say “Yes, let’s see how we can work together to find a solution”.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County helps both youth and adults improve their knowledge and skills, enhance their quality of life, and resolve problems in areas of food, nutrition, health and wellness; food safety; agriculture; environmental and natural resource management; and youth development.  This is accomplished through the use of science-based knowledge and university research.  Rutgers Cooperative Extension is an education organization within the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey and is an equal opportunity program provider and employer. 
Rutgers Cooperative Extension’s education programs are offered to all without regard to race, religion, color, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability.