Commencement 2015

Peggy Plass receiving her certificate from Paul.

On November 12th, the Headwaters Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists held commencement for its fourth cohort. The room and facilities at the Bridgewater Town Office Building were the perfect venue for the afternoon. Table settings were a fun mix of nature’s autumn offerings. Delicious refreshments were enjoyed as attendees gathered and socialized.

Trainees were honored by the presence of many chapter members and administrators. It was a special privilege to have our state Program Director Michelle Prysby from Charlottesville in attendance. Chapter Advisor Paul Bugas, with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, shared the trainees’ backgrounds and added personal congratulations as certificates were presented. With her trademark positive enthusiasm, Sandy Greene assisted in welcoming the new class of master naturalists.

Ten trainees graduated, with three having completed all training and hours necessary to be fully certified. All the graduates received special gifts and hugs from our dedicated leader, RoxAnna Theiss. The cohort presented her with a small token of our appreciation for her hard work and leadership over the last several months.

The class of 2015 would like to thank chapter members, presenters and our supporting agencies for the amazing experience of becoming Virginia Master Naturalists. We plan to do the Headwaters Chapter proud!

– Kathy Byers, Cohort IV

Thanks to Elaine Smith and Peggy Plass for these photos! We regret we missed getting a photo of Lacey Dean who is also among the graduating class of 2015. If anyone has one, contact Adrie ahvoors [at] gmail.com.