Every year, approximately 50 new Master Gardeners go through a 10 week, 80 hour classroom training plus many more hours of individual on-line education and reading to qualify to become a Master Gardener intern. During their first year as a Master Gardener, interns must devote at least 60 hours of volunteer time working in demonstration gardens, clinics and other outreach programs. This "real world" experience helps reinforce their classroom education in addition to comprising part of their "payback" for the extensive education they received.
Every year, some interns demonstrate exceptional commitment to the Master Gardener program through their eager participation above and beyond the minimum required hours and often take on leadership roles in areas of particular interest and talent.
The individuals below have been selected by the Master Gardener community during their first year as Intern of the Year:
2024 - Cheryl Roth
Rachel Shaw
2023 - Fred Huston Jr
2022 Lana Growe
Robbie Harris
Karen Schneider
2020/2021 Jim Rudy
Richard Simpson
Patty Smith
2019 Kathryn Ladines
2018 Pam Gallagher
2017 Mary Foster
Ravensara Travillian
2016 Srikanth Naidu
2015 Lynn Woods
2014 Teri Gaul
Dave Hofeditz
Alex Johnson
2013 Maggie Gunthardt
Sandra (Sam) Means
Dennis Olson
2012 Frank Cooper
2011 Veronica Leahy
2010 Danise Shields
2009 Rick Douge