NEWPORT — Since 2005, the Vermont Land Trust has been recognizing outstanding high school juniors and seniors who are dedicated to agriculture and forestry.
This year, Shapleigh Andrew of Newport received one of seven Land Stewards Awards presented by the land trust, along with a check for $250.
Andrew was nominated by Sam Nijensohn, his natural resources instructor at North Country Career Center in Newport.
“Shapleigh – or Shap, as he is usually called – is the quintessential Vermont farm kid,” Nijensohn shared. “He has been working hard at his family’s dairy farm since he could hold a shovel.”
Andrew has demonstrated great stewardship through his commitment to the family farm and a 2,000-tap sugaring operation he runs.
He plans to continue farming and logging after graduation.
Dan Kilborn of the Vermont Land Trust presented the award to Andrew during a class visit to Bluffside Farm in Newport.
The Vermont Land Trust owns Bluffside Farm, which the school uses for outdoor education.
“I have no doubt that he will be working Vermont’s fields and forests his whole life,” Nijensohn added. “He has seen the ups and downs of the lifestyle but embraces it wholeheartedly.”
