BARTON — Since 2005, the Vermont Land Trust has recognized outstanding high school juniors and seniors who are dedicated to agriculture and forestry.
This year, William Johnson, of Barton, received one of nine Land Stewards Awards presented by the land trust, along with a check for $250.
Johnson was nominated for the award by Sam Nijensohn, his instructor at North Country Career Center in Newport.
Sam Nijensohn described Johnson as smart and hard-working.
“William is highly engaged with both forestry and farming work on a regular basis,” he said.
This spring, Johnson worked on a dairy farm and in the woods, where he developed skills in tree felling, skidder-winching operations, chainsaw rebuilding, and sawmilling.
“William is most passionate about running a chainsaw and equipment in general,” Nijensohn added.
Johnson will be a senior next year and is interested in pursuing forestry after he graduates.
“I would like to do forestry in the future because it is a good career, and you learn something new every day,” Johnson said. “It also helps people with everything that they need to do like building a house or preparing firewood for the winter.”
