GDOE science teacher Lali Thundiyil was honored by the University of Guam Cooperative Extension & Outreach on Sept. 19 as the 2019 Friend of Extension. (From left) Sereana H. Dresbach, associate dean and director of UOG’s Cooperative Extension & Outreach; UOG President Thomas W. Krise; Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero; Thundiyil; and Lee S. Yudin, dean of UOG’s College of Natural & Applied Sciences.

Cooperative Extension & Outreach works to extend research-based knowledge to the community through educational outreach programs.

As a science teacher for more than 21 years at F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School in the Guam Department of Education, Thundiyil often partners with Cooperative Extension & Outreach to provide hands-on learning experiences for his students that would enhance their understanding of how science applies to daily life. More than 1,000 youth from his school have participated in 4-H youth development programs through the extension service. He also volunteers his time as a club advisor within the 4-H Program and has been an advocate in the community for the University’s extension services as a whole.

Also nominated for the award and honored at the event were Mayor Robert R.D.C. Hofmann, Maria S. Connelley, and Hisamitsu Hamamoto. The honorees were nominated by the four focus programs of Cooperative Extension & Outreach — agriculture and natural resources, consumer and family sciences, 4-H youth development, and community development.