Ag Educator Lori Mayhew
Each year the Royce Hanson award honors a person or group that has improved the Ag Reserve or local agriculture - we call them Reserve Champions much like the Award's namesake- Dr. Royce Hanson the architect of the Reserve during his tenure as chair of the Planning Commission back in the 80s. This year we honor Lori Mayhew, a legendary educator on her 20th year teaching with both Damascus High School and the local FFA chapter. Lori has served three terms as president of the Maryland Agriculture Teachers Association.
Lori has expanded her scope to Ag Education beyond the school walls into the wider community. Her FFA chapter has started both a Damascus High School Farmers Market and “Great Big Plant Giveaway” where people who attend the opening week of the market receive 5 free vegetable or herb plants.
"We believe that everyone can grow something, and by removing the economic barrier of cost we believe more people will try. We believe that when people grow some of their own food they develop a better appreciation of the hard work it takes and they become better advocates for the agriculture community. You might not be able to grow everything, but everyone can grow something," she says.
Lori Mayhew has steered the careers of countless agriculture professionals.
Lori has expanded her scope to Ag Education beyond the school walls into the wider community. Her FFA chapter has started both a Damascus High School Farmers Market and “Great Big Plant Giveaway” where people who attend the opening week of the market receive 5 free vegetable or herb plants.
"We believe that everyone can grow something, and by removing the economic barrier of cost we believe more people will try. We believe that when people grow some of their own food they develop a better appreciation of the hard work it takes and they become better advocates for the agriculture community. You might not be able to grow everything, but everyone can grow something," she says.
Lori Mayhew has steered the careers of countless agriculture professionals.
"Mrs. Lori Mayhew, Damascus High School and FFA Chapter, encouraged social learning in a variety of independent and cooperative projects that integrated learning and fun so much, it was hard to tell one from the other. Those formative years of the school’s renewed chapter were only successful because of the fundraising prowess and no-non-sense attitude she had in the classroom and the innumerable hours of extracurricular activities. What set Mrs. Mayhew apart from all my other mentors was her ability to help students think about opportunities in terms of how they fit student’s individual goals. Without her encouragement, I would never have tried public speaking at that age and now it’s a crucial and sought after part of my job. Thanks for your dedication to #TeachAg.”
Former student Chris Brosch - nutrient management professional
Please save the date to celebrate Lori Mayhew -
4pm ~ November 3 at St. Mary's Pavilion in Barnesville
(18230 Barnesville Rd, Barnesville, MD 20838)
4pm ~ November 3 at St. Mary's Pavilion in Barnesville
(18230 Barnesville Rd, Barnesville, MD 20838)
