For the past 2 years, in the dark, dreary (and let's be honest, dreadful) month of February, Champaign County Master Gardeners take the time to celebrate volunteers at their awards ceremony. The following awards are distributed:
- Hour Awards
- Golden Trowel
- Making a Difference
- Friend of a Master Gardener
For descriptions of each award, visit our website.
This year, we awarded:
- 100-Hours: 26
- 250-Hours: 18
- 500-Hours: 7
- 750-Hours: 2
- 1500-Hours: 1
The following Master Gardeners earned their Golden Trowel Award:
- Pat Adamet
- Cathy Barnard
- Alisa Chapman
- Jerry DeWitt
- Joyce Goode
- Lynne Hellmer
- Lynn Hilgendorf
- Anne Hudson
- Sally Mikel
- Kathy Wise
The following Master Gardeners received the Making a Difference Award:
- Carlo Anzelmo
- Mary Nielsen
- Katie Kelsey
The following community members and business partners received the Friend of a Master Gardener Award:
- Art Svymberskey of Comcast
- Kerry Meyer of Proven Winners
- Susan Schmitz of Ball Horticulture
- Chuck Van Vorst, husband of Master Gardener June Van Vorst
The awards ceremony is a special opportunity to recognize contributions Master Gardeners provide for the community. At the end of the evening, Master Gardeners are inspired and encouraged by their peers leaving uplifted and eager to continue "helping others learn to grow."