Master Gardener graduation recognizes dedicated volunteers

In a heartwarming ceremony held on June 9, 12 members of the Master Gardener program were recognized for their exceptional skills and dedication after a year of training and volunteering.

Andrew Modica, ANR/Hort Program Assistant, began the ceremony by giving thanks and appreciation for the graduates, as well as explaining the requirements of a Master Gardener.

Horticulture Agent Ben Prewitt spoke at the ceremony, expressing his appreciation for the graduates.

“All I wanted to say is how proud I am of you all (the graduates). You all were my first class of Mater Gardeners… I really appreciate you all putting the time in… I thank you for being a Master Gardener,” Prewitt said.

Williamsburg Mayor Roddy Harrison attended the ceremony as a speaker and exclaimed his overall surprise, revealing he didn’t know what the members of the Master Gardener did, but after researching, was thoroughly impressed.

“I sat through some webinars and found some videos, and I am impressed about what you all have done and have taken on. The responsibility, the efforts, the requirements… I just didn’t know. Gardening is not in my wheel-house,” Harrison expressed. “I cannot express how important it is to give back to the community you grew up in. It is a privilege to serve it, and you guys are doing that.”

Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who assist the County Extension Agents (CEA) with educational programming. They have been making a difference since the program’s start in 1973 in Washington State. Today, it spans across all 50 states and the District of Columbia with over 100,000 active volunteers.

Master Gardeners complete 40 hours of volunteer service and receive training in various areas, including botany, entomology, pesticide use and safety, plant pathology, soils and fertilizers, volunteerism, flower gardening, fruit and vegetable gardening, landscape design, lawn care, organic gardening, and tree and shrub care.

When the training begins, they can start their volunteer activities and must complete it in one year.

The commitment to learning and giving back does not end with graduation. Certified Master Gardeners must complete 20 hours of volunteer service annually, ensuring ongoing education and public outreach.

“After all of this, you have to take a test… I thought to myself, you have to take a test? And you all volunteered to take the test! And you all passed! That was really cool,” Harrison said, humorously speaking about the requirements for the graduates. “Congratulations to Ben’s first class… you all are doing fantastic things. And I look forward to working with you on a project I can’t talk about right now.”

If you or anyone you know is interested in joining the Master Gardener program and making a difference in the community, call the extension number at (606) 549-1430.