January 24, 2012
We are pleased to announce that Amy Thompson, Monroe County ANR Educator, is our winner of the 2011 Purdue Master Gardener Coordinator of the Year Award!
Now in its 8th year, we solicit nominations from Master Gardeners around the state to recognize their local county coordinator. The criteria for nomination include communication skills, enthusiasm, leadership, ability to delegate, sensitivity to diverse needs, and encouragement of growth and continued participation.
It is always difficult to single out just one worthy candidate for recognition, as we have many very excellent coordinators on staff. So we rely on the well-written nominations submitted by MGs.
Here’s just a sampling of what Amy’s loyal and dedicated MGs had to say.
- A good communicator, Amy is an “exemplary parent” while being a wonderful professional, “supremely organized”, “a walking dictionary” on gardening, supportive with a sense of humor.
- Amy is always accessible and makes a positive impact on all our activities, pitching in to do what is necessary. She is supportive, encouraging, and enthusiastic. She has revitalized our local program and given our group increased membership to fulfill our creative ideas.
- Amy has also helped the Monroe County Master Gardeners Program become a “blooming” presence in the Monroe community by encouraging the Master Gardener’s to set up and man a gardening booth at the County 4-H Fair, and to present two educational seminars (Garden Walk & The Garden Fair).
- Amy has a way that motivates and encourages others to increase their knowledge and involvement. She leads by example.
- Amy has helped us plan and implement over 9 hours of education offered at member meetings annually, in addition to our garden fair and county fair. She encourages us to attend out of town seminars and often attends with us.
- In the last few years, Amy has helped our group make the changes necessary to be current with Purdue guidelines, revise our bylaws, develop a Master Gardener Hotline, and has a full intern class each year.
- She is a super educator, hard worker, and a mentor.
- She is a natural born teacher and I think of her as a walking dictionary.
- County Coordinator is more than just a job, she truly cares.
- I treasure my learning experience in the MG Program and the spirit of cooperation Amy fosters among classmates.
- Amy is the epitome of what is a great County Coordinator is and should be!
Congratulations Amy on this well-deserved commendation from your dedicated force of volunteers! You are much loved!