It is our pleasure to present John Orick with the 2008 Purdue Master Gardener Coordinator of the Year Award!
Now in its fifth year, but just the 2nd year for soliciting nominations from Master Gardeners around the state to recognize their local county coordinator. The criteria for nomination included 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. But,we were particularly moved by the well-prepared packet submitted by the Madison County MGs.
Here’s what John’s devoted MGs had to say.
“John exhibits positive attributes by his availability, prompt return of calls, and listening without passing judgment. <snip> Since 1997, these attributes have resulted in 23,316 hours of volunteer community service from our MGs at a value of $400,811.”
“Educational opportunities abound under John’s leadership and support.”
“John worked with Purdue staff (Peggy Sellers and Janet Ayres) to develop and offer the first leadership training for (Purdue) Master Gardeners and expanded this training to include Grant, Delaware, and Hancock counties. He followed up the leadership training with public speaking training.”
“While demonstrating sensitivity to diverse needs, John has encouraged MG educational outreach to area public schools, Wilsons Boys and Girls Club and other underserved youth population.”
“John has offered both day and evening MG Intern trainings to meet the diverse needs of the community.”
“John established an annual outstanding MG Award beginning in 1999.”
John provides opportunities for MGs to practice their educational and leadership skills at a variety of community activities including Advanced MG trainings, Intern training classes, Camp-Dig-A-Lot (180 youth ages 7-11), and MG-staffed gardening classes at Anderson Public Library, resulting in more than 90 classes (for the general public) since 1999.
In summary, Madison Co. MGs say “John is well organized, maintains a positive focus with warmth and enthusiasm, deals well with all age groups, and finds the good in what MGs are doing.”