CANR News

Category: Cooperative Extension

4 photo collage of the Delaware Master Gardener Awards

Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Ceremony, Delaware Master Gardeners in New Castle County

April 02, 2026 Written by: Carrie Murphy, Master Gardener: Lawn and Garden Program Leader

The Delaware Master Gardeners in New Castle County celebrated their annual Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The celebratory meeting included opening remarks from Carrie Murphy, UD Cooperative Extension Educator who coordinates the Master Gardeners, and Karen Johnston, UD Cooperative Extension New Castle County Director. Master Gardeners were recognized for their outstanding commitment and contributions to the organization and community.

Outstanding Master Gardener Awards were presented to Jill Beringer, Barb Boys, Steve Bush, Vickie Bush, Cindy Huffman, Stephen Janick, Melody Kasprzak, Dianne Leipold, Rob Medicus, Katharine Olinchak, Dick Pelly, Miriam Reed, Loraine Snead, Sande Taylor, and JW Wistermayer.

The celebration concluded by honoring the Master Gardener of the Year, Sonia Jones, and this year’s Career Service Award recipient, Mary Ellen Hillegas.

This meeting was the last that the Delaware Master Gardeners in New Castle County will host at their current location on 461 Wyoming Road in Newark. They have been offering services, educational programs, and teaching gardens at this Cooperative Extension office since 2006. The

University of Delaware Cooperative Extension office is scheduled to move to a new location on the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources campus at 501 South College Avenue, Newark.

For additional information and/or interest in Master Gardener programs, please contact Carrie Murphy cjmurphy@udel.edu .

L: Mary Ellen Hillegas, Career Service Award R: Sonia Jones, Master Gardener of the Year

Outstanding Master Gardener Awards

Master Gardener Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Event

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