Congratulations to the Master Gardener Class of 2024!
The graduation ceremony for the 2024 Master Gardener Class was a joyous occasion attended by family and friends. After opening remarks by School Coordinators Lisa Reese, Gwen Cassel and Val Reiss, DCMGA President Glen McGee delivered his thanks and congratulations to all the graduates and reminded them of their important roles as part of the team of more than 400 Dallas County Master Gardeners.
The Guest Speakers were former Dallas County Extension Horticulture Agent Katerina Velasco Graham, AgriLife Extension Director Xiomara Diaz-Vargas, Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator Khristal Oduwole, County Commissioner District 1 Theresa Daniel, and new Horticulture Agent, Anne LeSenne. They all gave heartfelt and inspirational tributes to the graduates, and stressed the importance of becoming Certified Master Gardeners. As Horticulture Agent LeSenne stressed, “I need all of your help to be part of teaching millions of people within our county”.
During the graduate certificate presentation, 11 out of 39 graduates were commended for completing between 100 and over 800 volunteer hours. Beverly Long and Hank Hammett are Interns of the Year. Commissioner Daniel, Xiomara N. Diaz-Vargas, Glen McGee, and Katerina Graham congratulated each new graduate as they received their certificates and their official Texas-shaped badges.
Special thanks to Neil Kaufman for facilitating the use of the Brookhaven Performance Arts Center auditorium, Mardie Slocum for the program design, Jamaica Raith for donating stage plants and centerpieces, Ellen Schwab and the Nobles of Note for the musical entertainment during the reception, Master Gardeners for serving delicious food, and Johan Salvador Tavares for serving as the event photographer.
In the words of Margaret Mead,
