Graduating seniors and rising seniors receive Land Steward Awards
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Land Trust (VLT) recognized Brody Allen of Reading, Elia Gage of Randolph, Ella Kane of Sheldon, Ephraim Elmer of Lowell, Eva Bury of Derby, Hailey Chase of Monkton, Jacob Buearegard of Franklin, Lydia Dickey of White River Junction, and Madalyn Perry of East Montpelier with Land Steward Awards, along with a check for $500 each.
“We applaud these students for their achievements,” said Tracy Zschau, President and CEO of VLT. “They are dedicated to sustainable land stewardship, from working with livestock to growing food and caring for forests and trees. They care deeply about Vermont’s working lands and apply their learning mind-set to ensure our working lands remain vibrant for future generations.”
This is the 22nd year of VLT’s Land Steward Awards. Since 2005, the land trust has recognized outstanding high-school juniors and seniors who are dedicated to agriculture and forestry. Instructors from Vermont’s farming, forestry, and natural resources programs can nominate students for the award each spring.
Brody Allen of Reading, VT, graduating senior at Woodstock Union HS and CRAFT program
Brody Allen of Reading, VT, is a graduating senior at Woodstock Union High School. He will graduate with his CRAFT (Community and Climate Resilience through Agriculture, Forestry, and Technology) Certification. CRAFT program co-creator and instructor, Janis Boulbol, nominated Brody for his commitment to the program and to land stewardship.
“Brody has done numerous activities above and beyond our classes to be engaged with stewarding the land,” Boulbol said.
Allen pairs strong academics with hands-on skill building. He is raising 15 cattle at his family’s farm. Through CRAFT, he has participated in sugaring at King Farm in Woodstock, VT, helped plant a riparian buffer, and sold native plants and produce at the farmers’ market. Last summer, Allen interned at the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) and was part of a team conducting advanced ecological research on how plants can mitigate the effects of natural pollutants.
In the fall, Allen will attend Northeastern University to study Economics and Political Science. He plans to remain part of his family’s farm and apply his learning at college to his work there.
“I enjoy working in land stewardship because it is the contribution to the world where I can see the most tangible impact on the community around me,” Allen said.
Elia “Lula” Gage of Randolph, VT, graduating senior at River Bend Career and Technology Center and Thetford Academy
Elia “Lula” Gage of Randolph, VT is a graduating senior at River Bend Career and Technical Center in Bradford and Thetford Academy. Her Diversified Agriculture and Natural Resources instructor at River Bend, Ian Blackmer, nominated her for the award.
“Lula is focused on leaving things in better condition than when she found them,” Blackmer said. “She appreciates the importance of healthy, safe, and secure local food systems.”
Gage has worked on several local farms, gaining experience with livestock as well as vegetable, fruit, and berry production. At River Bend, she managed the school’s high-tunnel seedling production and supported sugaring operations. She also showed great interest in understanding northern forest ecosystems, water quality, and soil health, and has become proficient at tree identification.
She’s been recognized throughout her high school career for academic achievement, earning high honors at Thetford Academy and becoming a member of the National Technical Honor Society.
Gage will spend the summer working at Cedar Circle Farm and Education Center in Thetford, VT, before attending Appalachian State University in the fall to study environmental studies and outdoor education.
“I love Vermont communities, and I love Vermont ecosystems, and my hope is for both to continue to support one another,” Gage said.
Ella Kane of Sheldon, VT, graduating senior at Cold Hollow Career Center
Ella Kane of Sheldon, VT is a graduating senior at the Cold Hollow Career Center in Enosburg Falls, VT. In nominating her for a Land Stewards Award, her Forestry and Natural Resources instructor, Josh Goss, recognized her dedication to the land and to her family farm where she has been taking care of animals and helping with cropping for several years.
“Ella has a true passion for working her family farm, not just the land and the animals, but the generational commitment of working with family to make the farm successful,” Goss said. He said her experience has given her a deep commitment to the future of Vermont agriculture.
According to Goss, Kane has thrived both in and out of the classroom as she has advanced her education and leadership skills through Cold Hollow and the local FFA chapter. Kane plans to study agricultural science at SUNY Morrisville, then bring her experience back to strengthen the family farm.
“I hope to be part of the larger conversation about preserving Vermont’s agricultural landscape,” said Kane. “I want to be part of the solution — helping farms remain profitable, sustainable, and resilient.”
Ephraim Elmer of Lowell, VT, graduating senior at Green Mountain Technical and Career Center
Ephraim Elmer of Lowell, VT, is a graduating senior at the Green Mountain Technical and Career Center (GMTCC) in Hyde Park, VT. His Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems instructor, Sam Rowley, nominated him for his academic achievement, innovative vision, and focus on sustainable farming.
Elmer helps produce raw milk and pork on his family’s farm. In the future, he plans to work on the family farm and learn about cured meats to expand the farm’s offerings.
“Ephraim views his work on the farm as an inherited legacy and a fundamental part of his identity,” Rowley said.
During his time at GMTCC’s Robtoy Farm in Cambridge, VT, Elmer developed a wide range of skills, from caring for cows, goats, and laying chickens to all aspects of vegetable farming. In the past year, he has interned at Green Mountain Farm to School in Newport and worked at the Farm Connex warehouse.
“I have loved working with animals for as long as I can remember,” Elmer said. “For the past few years I have wanted to become a farmer and knowing the importance of sustainable agriculture has only given me more incentive.”
Eva Bury of Derby, VT, rising senior at North Country Career Center
Eva Bury of Derby, VT is a rising senior at the North Country Career Center in Newport, VT. Her Animal and Environmental Systems Science (AESS) instructor, Emily Dehoff, nominated her for her thoughtful, attentive stewardship.
“Eva consistently demonstrates care for both the animals and the land through her thoughtful and attentive actions,” Dehoff said.
Bury has immersed herself in agriculture while excelling academically. She earned high honors throughout high school and completed three college credits for her AESS coursework, while serving in leadership roles for the local FFA chapter and earning local and national 4-H awards.
Over four years working at a local dairy farm, Bury has developed strong skills in animal care and herd management. She has also spent several years breeding her own line of show cows, using her classroom and practical experience to foster a high-quality herd.
After studying animal science in college, Bury hopes to work alongside farmers to improve the overall health and quality of their herds.
“Stewarding the land means caring for something bigger than me — nurturing the earth that sustains us and giving back to it with intention,” Bury said.
Hailey Chase of Monkton, VT, graduating senior at Hannaford Career Center
Graduating senior Hailey Chase of Monkton, VT, was nominated by Aaron Townshend, her Natural Resources Management instructor at Hannaford Career Center in Middlebury, VT.
“Hailey frequently exceeds expectations,” Townshend said. “She is a student of the natural world, fluent in the scientific process, and passionate about agriculture education.”
Chase has received several ‘Outstanding Student’ awards for her academic work and been nominated to the National Technical Honor Society. She is active in FFA at both the local and state levels, where she has served in top-tier leadership roles, competed in agricultural career development events, and taken the initiative to launch new programs.
Chase also works on the family homestead in Monkton, VT. She cares for the dairy cows, chickens, and goats, and is also involved in maple sugaring.
Chase plans to study natural resource management at Paul Smith’s College and use her degree to educate future land stewards.
“I enjoy working in land stewardship because I believe everything we do circles back to the land we live on,” said Chase. “I hope to become an agriculture teacher, to teach the youth of tomorrow about our lands.”
Jacob Beauregard of Franklin, VT, rising senior at Missisquoi Valley Union High School
Rising senior Jacob Beauregard of Franklin, VT was nominated by his Agriculture Sciences teacher at Missisquoi Valley Union High School (MVU), Elizabeth Sweet. In her nomination,
Sweet praised Beauregard for his strong work ethic, forward-thinking mindset, and hands-on connection to the land.
“Jacob represents the next generation of agricultural leaders,” Sweet said. “He is not only working the land, but actively caring for it, improving it, and ensuring its sustainability for the future.”
In addition to his schoolwork, Jacob is working his family land: managing a herd of cattle, restoring pasture, and sugaring while managing the woods to set up more taps.
Beauregard also attends the Forestry Program at the Cold Hollow Career Center in Enosburg Falls, VT. He is a leader in and out of school: serving both on the school council and as a Junior Selectboard member for the Town of Franklin, VT.
After high school, Beauregard plans to have his own business raising beef cattle and sugaring, rooted in the land he already cares for and improves each day.
“As stewards of the land, it’s our responsibility to maintain and improve it, so we can leave the world a better place than we found it,” Beauregard said.
Lydia Dickey of White River Junction, VT, graduating senior at Hartford Area Career and Tech Center
Lydia Dickey of White River Junction, VT, is a graduating senior at the Hartford Area Career and Technology Center. Her Natural Resources instructor, Dan Gibson, nominated her for going above and beyond the program’s expectations.
“Lydia consistently demonstrates that caring for the health of the tree while protecting the land is the main priority,” Gibson said.
Dickey has pursued extended knowledge and experience in advanced tree-climbing, safe and healthy pruning, and on-site equipment management to ensure the work has a minimal environmental impact on the land.
Outside of school, Dickey is an active member of her family’s waste management business, which also provides recycling and composting services across the Upper Valley.
Dickey is currently working with a local tree care company through a cooperative education placement. After graduation, she hopes to find permanent work in the field while continuing to support her family’s business.
“Ever since I was little, I have always loved being outdoors, and could often be found scampering up a tree,” Dickey said. “Today, that love has culminated in my study of forestry and arboriculture.”
Madalyn Perry of East Montpelier, VT, graduating senior at Randolph Tech
Madalyn Perry of East Montpelier, VT, is a graduating senior at Randolph Technical Career Center (RTCC). She was nominated by her Diversified Agriculture instructor, Annie Massie, for her hard work, persistence, and knowledge in dairy and land management.
“Madalyn is a strong student and a future female entrepreneur with strong leadership skills inside and out of school,” Massie said.
Perry has spent the past year doing a cooperative education placement with Fairmont Farm in East Montpelier, VT. She is responsible for feeding calves and making sure they are healthy and comfortable. She also maintains high standards of cleanliness and milk quality.
In addition to earning high grades in all her RTCC courses, Perry has been an active member of 4-H for five years. She is also part of the Vermont Farm Bureau and the New England Holstein Association.
After graduation, Perry plans to continue working at Fairmont Farm, while pursuing a long-term goal of starting her own business, growing and selling flowers.
“Growing up in rural Vermont, I learned that the land isn’t just where we live, it’s what supports our farms, our families, and our communities,” Perry said. “I’m proud of my roots, and I love being part of work that helps preserve Vermont’s agricultural way of life.”
Photos of Land Steward Award winners:
- Brody Allen of Reading, VT (right), with VLT’s Dan Kilborn (left); courtesy Janis Boulbol
- Elia ‘Lula’ Gage of Randolph, VT; courtesy Elia Gage
- Ella Kane of Sheldon; courtesy Ella Kane
- Ephraim Elmer of Lowell; courtesy Ephraim Elmer
- Eva Bury of Derby (left) with VLT’s Kerry O'Brien (right)
- Hailey Chase of Monkton, VT (middle) with her mother Jaqueline (left) and VLT’s Al Karnatz (right)
- Jacob Beauregard of Franklin; courtesy Jacob Beauregard
- Lydia Dickey of White River Junction River; courtesy Lydia Dickey
- Madalyn Perry of E. Montpelier, VT (middle) with her parents Guthrie Perry (left) and Amber Perry (right) at Fairmont Farm in E. Montpelier
About Vermont Land Trust
Rooted in Vermont since 1977, the Vermont Land Trust unites land and lives for the enduring benefit of people and the place we share. We have protected more than 650,000 acres of land and foster life-long connections to the farms, forests, and community spaces that define Vermont. Learn more at vlt.org.
6.4.2026. Montpelier, VT – The Vermont Land Trust
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