COUDERSPORT, Pa. – The Ella Reagle Staff Assistant Award was established in honor of Ella Reagle, who served the College of Agricultural Sciences and Extension for thirty years. This award, endowed by the family of Ella Reagle, honors an outstanding staff assistant who demonstrates the dedication and hard work that was characteristic of Ella.

Penn State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences Dean, Troy Ott, announced last month that Sheila Gabreski, Penn State Extension Office Manager in Potter County, has received the 2024 Ella Reagle Staff Assistant Award.

Sheila Gabreski has served the local community with Penn State Extension for 14 years. Most notably, farmers, gardeners, 4-H members, and others who reach out to this office recall Sheila’s warm personality and helpful nature. In 2023 alone, she helped serve 649 walk-in customers, one of the most frequented offices in the state. Behind the scenes, she supports programs throughout the community by providing educators across the state access to our facilities, community contacts, marketing of programs, approval of contracts, and local management of funds and grants. She has personally assisted groups like the North Central Beekeepers Association, Potter County Community Garden, and the Penn State Master Gardener Program. 

Outside the office, Sheila volunteers as a 4-H leader, keeps a beautiful home garden, and lives with her family here in Coudersport on their small farm.

Congratulations, Sheila, on this great honor.