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Since 2005, we have recognized outstanding high-school juniors and seniors who are dedicated to agriculture and forestry. Instructors from Vermont’s farming, forestry, and natural resources programs nominate students for the award each spring. This year, nine students were honored and received $500 each.
Brody Allen is a graduating senior at Woodstock Union High School’s CRAFT (Community and Climate Resilience through Agriculture, Forestry, and Technology) Program. He was nominated for a Land Steward Award by instructor and program co-developer Janis Boulbol, who noted Brody’s commitment to land stewardship at every level.
Janis said Brody is the first to raise his hand to volunteer, and throughout his time in the program he has sought out opportunities that extend well beyond the classroom.
“Brody has done numerous activities above and beyond our classes to be engaged with stewarding the land,” said Janis. “He is positive, caring, engaged, and a high-achieving student who consistently challenges himself.”
Brody pairs strong academics with hands-on skill building. He is raising 15 cattle at his family’s farm in Reading, VT. Through CRAFT, he has helped plant a riparian buffer, sold native plants and produce at the farmers’ market, and participated in sugaring at VLT’s King Farm. Last summer Brody interned at the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL), and was part of a team conducting advanced ecological research on how plants can mitigate the effects of natural pollutants.
In the fall, Brody will attend Northeastern University to study Economics and Political Science. He plans to remain part of his family’s farm and apply his learning at college to the work he does on the farm.
“I enjoy working in land stewardship because it is the contribution to the world where I can see the most tangible impact on the community around me,” said Brody. “Land stewardship allows you to have the kind of impact that will last far beyond your time in the community.”
Photo: Brody (right) with VLT’s Dan Kilborn (left) after receiving his award; courtesy Janis Boulbol.
Elia “Lula” Gage of Randolph, VT is a graduating senior at River Bend Career and Technical Center in Bradford, VT and at Thetford Academy. Ian Blackmer, her Diversified Agriculture and Natural Resources instructor at River Bend, nominated her for the award.
“Lula is focused on leaving things in better condition than when she found them,” Ian said. “She appreciates the importance of healthy, safe, and secure local food systems, as well as the gift of balance that nature provides.”
Lula has worked on several local farms, gaining experience with livestock as well as vegetable, fruit, and berry production. Whether she is pruning blueberry bushes, setting up new pasture fencing, or pulling taps at a large sugaring operation, she finds joy in the work of land stewardship.
At River Bend, Lula managed the school’s high-tunnel seedling production and supported sugaring operations. She also showed great interest in understanding northern forest ecosystems, water quality, and soil health, and has become proficient at tree identification. She’s been recognized throughout her high school career for academic achievement, earning high honors at Thetford Academy and becoming a member of the National Technical Honor Society. She balances academics and hands-on farm experience with running track and cross-country, and mentoring others as a Girls on the Run coach.
Lula will spend the summer working at Cedar Circle Farm and Education Center, an organic, conserved farm in Thetford, VT before attending Appalachian State University in the fall to study environmental studies and outdoor education.
“The natural environment has always been a large part of my life,” Lula said. “I love Vermont communities, and I love Vermont ecosystems, and my hope is for both to continue to support one another.”
Photo courtesy of Lula.
Ella Kane of Sheldon, VT will graduate this year from the Cold Hollow Career Center in Enosburg Falls.
Her Forestry and Natural Resources instructor, Josh Goss, recognized her dedication to the land and to her family farm, where she has been taking care of animals and helping with cropping for several years. He nominated her for the award.
“Ella has a true passion for working on her family farm, not just the land and the animals, but the generational commitment of working with family to make the farm successful,” Josh said.
According to Josh, Ella has thrived both in and out of the classroom while advancing her education in agriculture and forestry. She earned a place in the National Technical Honor Society for her time at Cold Hollow Career Center. At the same time, she served as an officer of the local chapter of FFA (Future Farmers of America) and ranked highly in statewide competitions. She also played varsity soccer, basketball, and lacrosse.
In the fall, Ella plans to study agricultural science at SUNY Morrisville, then bring her experience back to strengthen the family farm. Her passion extends beyond her own family’s farm to the future of agriculture in Vermont.
“I hope to be part of the larger conversation about preserving Vermont’s agricultural landscape,” said Ella. “When a farm disappears, the community loses open land, local food production, and a way of life. I want to be part of the solution — helping farms remain profitable, sustainable, and resilient.”
Photo courtesy of Ella.
Ephraim Elmer of Lowell, VT will be graduating from the Green Mountain Technical and Career Center (GMTCC) in Hyde Park, VT. He has spent two years in the Center’s Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems program, and has also been working on his family’s farm. He was nominated for the award by program instructor, Sam Rowley, for his academic achievement, innovative vision, and focus on sustainable farming.
“Ephraim views his work on the family farm as an inherited legacy and a fundamental part of his identity,” Sam said. “I see motivation, innovation, and a spark in Ephraim.”
Ephraim helps produce raw milk and pork on the family farm, working with heritage breeds selected for their ability to thrive in the local climate. He plans to take on the pig operation at the family farm, and is preparing to travel to Spain to learn more about cured meats so he can add that expertise and offering at the family farm.
Students in Sam’s full-day, full-year program work and learn on Robtoy Farm (located at VLT’s Brewster Uplands). While there, Ephraim developed a wide range of skills, from caring for cows, goats, and laying chickens to all aspects of vegetable farming. He became a reliable member of the farm team, skilled at fixing problems. During his last school year, he interned at Green Mountain Farm to School in Newport where he had various responsibilities, including educational outreach to elementary students and working at the Farm Connex warehouse preparing pallets of food for delivery.
“I have loved working with animals for as long as I can remember,” Ephraim said. “For the past few years I have wanted to become a farmer and knowing the importance of sustainable agriculture has only given me more incentive.”
Photo courtesy of Ephraim.
At the North Country Career Center in Newport, Eva Bury of Derby, VT has earned a reputation for thoughtful, attentive stewardship.
These qualities inspired Animal and Environmental Systems Science (AESS) instructor Emily Dehoff to nominate the rising senior for a Land Stewards Award.
“Eva consistently demonstrates care for both the animals and the land through her thoughtful and attentive actions,” Emily said. “I have watched her grow into one of the most conscientious students I have had the pleasure to teach.”
Eva has immersed herself in agriculture while excelling academically. She earned high honors throughout high school and completed three college credits for her AESS coursework. She strengthened her leadership skills serving as Secretary for the local chapter of FFA. Her efforts have been rewarded with local and national awards through the 4-H program.
Over four years working at a local dairy farm, she has developed strong skills in animal care and herd management while milking a herd of about 140 cows and helping care for nearly 100 calves. She has also spent several years breeding her own line of show cows, using her classroom and practical experience to foster a high-quality herd.
After studying animal science in college, Eva hopes to work alongside farmers to improve the overall health and quality of their herds.
For Eva, caring for animals is a calling and a passion. “Stewarding the land means caring for something bigger than me — nurturing the earth that sustains us and giving back to it with intention,” she said. “I love looking after dairy animals, giving them quality care, patience, and the deepest of love.”
Photos: Left, Eva with VLT’s Kerry O’Brien after receiving her award; right, courtesy of Eva.
Hailey Chase of Monkton, VT, was nominated by Aaron Townshend, who teaches Natural Resources Management and Agricultural Sciences at Hannaford Career Center in Middlebury, VT. Hailey is a graduating senior who has excelled academically and who also works on her family’s homestead.
“Hailey frequently exceeds expectations,” Aaron said. “She is a student of the natural world, fluent in the scientific process, and passionate about agriculture education.”
In the classroom, Hailey has mastered materials, earning ‘outstanding student’ awards in several classes, and been nominated to the National Technical Honor Society. She brings quiet commitment and focus to her studies and class projects.
Hailey is active in FFA at both the local and state levels, where she has served in top-tier leadership roles and competed in agricultural career development events. She takes the initiative to launch new programs and works diligently to ensure their success.
On her family homestead in Monkton, Hailey furthers her commitment to stewardship by caring for the dairy cows, chickens, and goats, and by maple sugaring in the spring.
In the fall, she plans to study natural resource management at Paul Smith’s College and use her degree to share her knowledge with future land stewards.
“I enjoy working in land stewardship because I believe everything we do circles back to the land we live on,” Hailey said. “Through my agricultural courses at the Career Center, I have learned the importance of understanding our lands, how to preserve what we have, and make the most of what there is. I hope to become an agriculture teacher, to teach the youth of tomorrow about our lands.”
Photo: Hailey Chase (middle) with her mother Jaqueline (left) and VLT’s Al Karnatz (right) after receiving her award.
Jacob Beauregard of Franklin, VT, is a rising senior at Missisquoi Valley Union High School (MVU) in Swanton, VT. He was nominated for the award by his Agriculture Sciences teacher, Elizabeth Sweet, who noted his strong work ethic, forward-thinking mindset, and hands-on connection to the land.
In addition to his MVU schoolwork, Jacob is working his family land: managing a herd of cattle, restoring pasture for healthy grazing and soil health, and sugaring with a wood-fired evaporator while managing the woods to set up more taps.
“Jacob represents the next generation of agricultural leaders,” Elizabeth said. “He is not only working the land, but actively caring for it, improving it, and ensuring its sustainability for the future. He has both the passion and the perseverance needed to succeed in the agricultural industry.”
Jacob is a member of the FFA program at the Cold Hollow Career Center in Enosburg Falls, VT, and earned a Greenhand FFA Degree after his first year as an Agriculture Science student. He also attends the Forestry Program at CHCC. And he is a leader in and out of school: serving both on the school council and as a Junior Selectboard member for the Town of Franklin.
After high school, Jacob plans to have his own business raising beef cattle and sugaring, rooted in the land he already cares for and improves each day.
“The land is the foundation — it provides,” said Jacob. “As stewards of the land, it’s our responsibility to maintain and improve it, so we can continue to successfully feed future generations and leave the world a better place than we found it.”
Photo courtesy of Jacob.
Lydia Dickey of White River Junction, VT, is a graduating senior at the Hartford Area Career and Technology Center. In nominating her, Natural Resources instructor Dan Gibson praised her for going above and beyond the program’s expectations.
“Lydia has shown a passion for tree care and arboriculture work, and is clearly focused on caring for the health of the tree while protecting the land,” Dan said. “She consistently demonstrates respect, integrity, and a strong work ethic, and is the kind of person who will always do the right thing even when nobody is looking.”
Lydia has pursued extended knowledge and experience in advanced tree-climbing techniques, safe and healthy pruning techniques, and on-site equipment management to prevent inadvertent environmental harm to the land she is working on. Dan added that Lydia sometimes takes on a leadership role in class projects and works to bring out the best in her teammates.
She is highly engaged in her academics and participates in extracurricular sports. Outside of school, she’s an active member in her family’s waste management business, which also provides recycling and composting services across the Upper Valley.
Lydia is currently working with a local tree care company through a cooperative education placement. After graduation, she hopes to find permanent work in the field, while continuing to support her family’s business.
“Ever since I was little, I have always loved being outdoors, and could often be found scampering up a tree,” Lydia said. “Today, that love has culminated in my study of forestry and arboriculture.”
Photo courtesy of Lydia.
A graduating senior at the Randolph Technical Career Center, Madalyn Perry of East Montpelier, VT, was nominated by her Diversified Agriculture instructor, Annie Massie. Annie pointed to Madalyn’s hard work, persistence, and her knowledge in dairy and land management.
“Madalyn is a strong student and a future female entrepreneur with strong leadership skills inside and out of school,” Annie said. “She is very kind and a wonderful role model for others.”
Madalyn has spent the last year doing a cooperative education placement with Fairmont Farm, a conserved dairy farm in East Montpelier and Craftsbury, VT. She is responsible for feeding calves and making sure they are healthy and comfortable. She also maintains high standards of cleanliness and milk quality.
In addition to earning high grades in all her RTCC courses, Madalyn has been an active member of 4-H for five years. She is also part of the Vermont Farm Bureau and the New England Holstein Association.
After graduation, Madalyn intends to continue working at Fairmont Farm, while pursuing a long-term goal of starting her own flower business, growing and harvesting flowers to sell bouquets and other floral arrangements.
“Growing up in rural Vermont, I learned that the land isn’t just where we live, it’s what supports our farms, our families, and our communities,” Madalyn said. “Land stewardship means respecting the people who worked this land before us, while doing our part to keep it healthy and productive for the next generation. I’m proud of my roots, and I love being part of work that helps preserve Vermont’s agricultural way of life.”
Photo: Madalyn (center) with her parents Guthrie Perry (left) and Amber Perry (right) at Fairmont Farm, East Montpelier, after receiving her award.
