Class of 2020 - Update

On March 12, exactly 2 weeks before graduation, classes were suspended due to COVID 19.  We still had two classes remaining, project presentations, exams, and graduation.  We were sure we would pick back up in a couple of months or less but that was NOT to be.  Our Class of 2020 stayed resilient, flexible, and willing to do whatever was needed to complete the class.

Exams were emailed to the trainees with an answer sheet; answer sheets were returned to the Exam Coordinator for grading, then answer sheets were returned to the individuals with an explanation of questions missed.  All passed.

For the final 3 classes - Herbaceous Plants Parts 1 and 2 were presented via Zoom for trainees to watch live or after the fact via video link.  The Pruning session was pre-recorded and watched via video link.

The Training Committee agreed to attempt project presentations over Zoom.  Some trainees were ready and willing to jump onto this platform.  Others were coached and rehearsed and came through with flying colors.  Trainees zoomed in to watch classmates present their projects, offering support and congratulations!  We love that Master Gardener camaraderie.

Our overall class evaluation was completed electronically!  Our new Unit Administrative Assistant created that outside-the-box innovation.

During the shut-down period, MG activities were limited to our food producing projects – Fred Heutte Center Square Foot Garden and the Potager Garden at NBG.  Several trainees continued to participate and earn hours following social distancing and face covering guidance.  Some also took part in strictly voluntary activities (but necessary), such as upkeep at Weyanoke Wildlife Sanctuary, working with native plants.  As the VCE and local guidelines eased, that and other MG programs are gradually being reinstated, with both trainees and perennial NMGs taking part if and as they feel safe enough to do so.

With social distancing required as well as limiting numbers of people in one place, graduation presented another dilemma.  In the end, we celebrated with a “Drive Thru” graduation which took place at Royster Presbyterian Church on September 1.  Each trainee (now intern) received a reusable goodie bag containing their Intern Badge and certificate, graduation program, Native Plants for Southeast Virginia, and a Keep Norfolk Beautiful face mask. 

Class of 2020 – thank you, thank you, thank you for all your efforts during your Training Class.  The committee was forced to think differently and do things that we would never dreamed of doing!   We are so glad to have you in our Norfolk Master Gardener family.  Congratulations to Dusti Johnson-Brinker, Chris Kroll, Cathleen Owen, and Chris Schweitzer who totally skipped the Internship by completing their hours before graduation – a first! 

Thanks to the entire Training Committee for thinking creatively to make all this happen for our new Interns!  You can now exhale!

Due to the uncertainty of COVID 19, there are no plans for a Class of 2021, but we do have something new and different under development for 2021 – stay tuned!