Nick Beaudrie and Grace Herkimer are recipients of the Outstanding Agriculture Student Award for 2020 and 2021, respectively, at Monroe County Community College.
The award is given each year to a student in the partnership agriculture program with Michigan State University’s Institute of Agricultural Technology located on the MCCC campus.
Beaudrie, who graduated in May of 2020, received the 2020 award. He is employed today as farm manager at Mr. Wizard’s Hop Farm in Monroe, said Andy McCain, vocational agriculture instructor at MCCC.
“Nick came into the program with a culinary background and a passion to grow and learn everything he could and turned into one of the best ag students I have had over the four years of the program,” McCain said. “He has set a great example for the current ag students to follow, from his active role in the Collegiate Farm Bureau Student Ag Club to his time and dedication to the classes. Nick set the bar high.”
The 2021 award went to Herkimer, who graduated from the program in May and who will continue her education in animal science this fall at Michigan State University.
“She was an easy choice for this award, and one that our community should be very proud of,” McCain said in an email. “Grace has been an active member with Monroe County 4-H for many years. She raises and shows her own 4-H lambs at the fair along with chickens and dogs. She enjoys working on her family farm that consists of cash crops, lavender and lambs. Grace entered the program two years ago with an amazing level of organization and determination that I had not seen from many students. Add in her excellent academic ability, determination to get every scholarship available and willingness to organize and participate in Student Ag Club events.”
The awards for the 2020 and 2021 academic years were presented at the college’s honors reception that was held recently.