Drive Through Graduation

Some members of the Training Committee were initially reluctant to hold an evening class, but our Agent Chris Epes was confident that evening instruction would bring in new students unable to attend our usual daytime classes. Chris was right (big surprise), and 24 students enrolled, about half of them holding jobs during the day. All faithfully attended the evening classes, although there were some drooping eyelids at times, especially among the members of the Training Committee! A routine was established, and the class ran along smoothly until total derailment on March 12, 2020. With the class almost completed, everyone was sent home to “shelter in place.”

The Training Committee began planning for remote learning to allow the students to complete their remaining requirements, and to present their projects. Meanwhile, all Norfolk Master Gardeners followed guidelines from Virginia Cooperative Extension and our state and local leaders. We continue to follow these guidelines.

On September 1, 2020 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm, 22 members of the Norfolk Master Gardener Class of 2020 drove through the grassy parking area at the Royster Presbyterian Church on Newport Avenue, receiving their certificates and badges among wildly cheering, masked and socially distanced Perennials. This was completely different, and completely wonderful! Only two of the new Interns needed to have their graduation items delivered to them. All 24 of our original 24 class members made it through the in-person classes, the remote learning and project presentations and final exam. Four have already earned sufficient hours to attain active VCE Master Gardener status.

We couldn’t be more proud of all of this year’s graduates, and look forward to working with them and getting to know them better as restrictions lift, and we can safely meet and work together again. Congratulations to all on a job well done. This was a colorful graduation in more ways than one!