February 2025 Award Meeting Highlights
The February DCMGA meeting was a celebration of the accomplishments of both the organization and individuals. The DCMGA logged 45,858.75 volunteer hours in 2024 with Master Gardeners averaging 115.5 hours/ person. These hours represent a value of $1,535,810 contributed to our Dallas County community. With Alan Rister serving a Master of Ceremonies, Master Gardeners were honored for both annual and cumulative hours. Years of continuous certification were also recognized. Several special awards were given for extraordinary service.
Roseann Ferguson was recognized as Speaker of the Year, having given 17 presentations to 636 gardeners from novices to pros. Roseann has completed over 26,811 Master Gardener volunteer hours since joining in.
The Shooting Star Award is given annually recognizing members for their outstanding contribution to DCMGA and TAMU. This award is selected by the DCMGA president with input from the board. The newest Shooting Stars are Barbara Anderson, Michael Blum, Chris Geyer, Christy Lawrence, Alexa Peterson Lisa Reese, Valerie Reiss, Carol Rybarski, and Sue Smith.
The Dirty Dozen Award goes to the 12 DCMGA Master Gardeners with the most logged hours for the year. Lisa Loughmiller joined this group for the first time. Repeat members of the Dirty Dozen include Ned Buxton, Roseann Ferguson, Cynthia Jones, Mark Jones, Wendy Leanse, Glen McGee, Mary Clare Milner, Lisa Patterson, Sarah Sanders, Tig Thompson, and Cindy Wabner.
23 Master Gardeners achieved Bronze State status with 250 cumulative hours, 18 achieved Silver State status with 500 cumulative hours, and 10 were Gold State status with 1000 cumulative hours. Representing years of dedication, Abbe Bolich, John Hunt, Lish Loughmiller, Mary Clare Milner, Jadi Oliver, Alan Rister and Sherrie Walker received a trowel pin for 2500 cumulative hours. Nancy Nance and Sarah Sanders received a watering can pin for 7500 cumulative hours.
130 DCMGA members were awarded gold stars for 100 hours in 2024. This amazing number includes 10 intern members of the Class of 2024.
