2026 Graduate Awards and Recognition

Recipient: Sara Moore (Applied Agricultural Managment)

The Agricultural Technology Outstanding Senior Award recognizes a student who exemplifies exceptional academic achievement, leadership, dedication, and commitment to excellence.

Sara Moore, from Fauquier, Virginia, has earned a place on the Dean’s List every semester at Virginia Tech. She has been actively involved as a member of the Young Farmers Club and the Beef Leadership Council, while also serving as a peer mentor and Agricultural Technology Ambassador. She is also a recipient of the John Lee Pratt Scholarship.

Sara completed her internship at Culpeper Farm and Home Center, where her responsibilities included working with feed mill operations, compiling feed orders, calculating fertilizer and chemical application rates, and supporting customer service. She also spent significant time working as a Territory Sales Manager intern, visiting customer farms to ensure their operational needs were met.

Throughout her time in the program, Sara consistently demonstrated reliability, leadership, and a willingness to support others. She served as a teaching assistant in both Introduction to Animal Science and Livestock Reproduction, where she assisted with lab preparation and student support. Known for her honesty, strong work ethic, and positive attitude, Sara has made a lasting impact on the program.

She will continue her academic journey at Virginia Tech in Animal & Poultry Sciences.

Recipient: Brayton Crews (Landscape & Turf Management)

The Ut Prosim (“That I May Serve”) Award recognizes a student who embodies service, leadership, and dedication to others.

Brayton Crews, from Hanover County, Virginia, has been an outstanding representative of the Agricultural Technology Program since arriving on campus in Fall 2024. He was a member of the Turfgrass Club, served as an ambassador, and competed in the 2026 Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Collegiate Turf Bowl. He also volunteered at the 2025 and 2026 Dominion Energy Charity Classic.

Brayton received the VTA Scholarship and worked at the Pete Dye River Course throughout his time as a student. He completed his internship at Merion Golf Club in Pennsylvania, where he gained experience in course operations including water management, crew coordination, and maintenance practices. Following graduation, he will continue his professional development at Seminole Golf Club in Florida.

Brayton consistently demonstrated leadership through his service to peers, his coordination of group projects, and his representation of the program to prospective students and university leadership. His dedication to service and excellence makes him highly deserving of this award.

Recipient: Kadynce Van Hoven (Applied Agricultural Managment)

The Outstanding Peer Mentor Award is presented to a student who has gone above and beyond in demonstrating excellence in mentoring.

Kadynce Van Hoven, from Rapidan, Virginia, served as a teaching assistant for the Livestock Reproduction class and earned Dean’s List honors during the Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Fall 2025 semesters. She completed her internship at Battlefield Farms, where her responsibilities included event preparation and greenhouse management. She also worked at an off-campus equine facility during her time as a student.

As a peer mentor, Kadynce led engaging group discussions, presented relevant and timely topics, and provided consistent support to her mentees. She demonstrated strong leadership, professionalism, and the ability to confidently guide a diverse group of students.

Kadynce built meaningful relationships with her mentees, communicated thoughtfully and consistently, and contributed valuable feedback that will continue to strengthen the peer mentor program in the future.

Recipient: Mack Blackwell Applied Agricultural Management)

The Rising Professional Award recognizes a student who has demonstrated exceptional professional growth within their industry during their time in the Agricultural Technology Program.

Mack Blackwell, from Floyd County, Virginia, received multiple scholarships, including the Floyd County Farm Bureau, Virginia Crop Production Association, and Virginia FFA Produce Scholarships. He also served as a peer mentor in the program.

Mack completed his internship with SWVA Biochar, where he was responsible for upper yard management and farm operations. In addition to his internship, he worked on his family farm, expanded his custom-spreading business, and maintained part-time employment with SWVA Biochar.

A significant professional accomplishment was passing the Virginia Certified Nutrient Management Planner exam, allowing him to develop nutrient management plans for multiple farms, including his own. He achieved all of this while commuting approximately 40 minutes each day and maintaining a near-perfect GPA.

Mack’s professionalism, initiative, and ability to balance extensive responsibilities set him apart as an exceptional rising professional.

Recipient: Logan Moon (Landscape & Turf Management)

The Rising Professional Award recognizes a student who has demonstrated exceptional growth and development within their field.

Logan Moon, from Amelia, Virginia, received Farm Bureau and Southside Opportunity Fund scholarships. He participated in intramural sports and Baptist Collegiate Ministries and earned Dean’s List honors multiple semesters. Logan also competed in the National Collegiate Landscaping Competition and served as both an ambassador and peer mentor.

He completed his internship with Hudgins Outdoor Solutions, where he worked as a crew member on both hardscape and landscape installation crews. During this experience, he developed strong communication skills through direct interaction with clients on job sites.

In addition to his academic and internship work, Logan managed his own landscaping business with his brother. After graduation, he plans to continue growing this business.

Recipient: Joe Gibson (Applied Agricultural Management)

The Outstanding Intern Award recognizes a graduating student who stepped outside their comfort zone and excelled during their internship experience.

Joe Gibson, from Orange County, Virginia, completed his internship at Senterfitt Farms in Madison, Virginia. During his internship, he worked extensively in livestock and auction operations, including intake of cattle, stocker operations, feeding, treatment, and pasture management.

During his time at Virginia Tech, Joe received multiple scholarships, including the Somerset Steam & Gas Engine Association, James Wilson Memorial, and Orange County Farm Bureau Scholarships. He also worked for Scott Sink and Piney Wood Feeders & Fence.

Joe’s internship allowed him to apply classroom knowledge to real-world agricultural systems, particularly in cattle production and auction operations. After graduation, he plans to work in a cow-calf operation in Orange County.

Recipient: Kaleb Hummer (Landscape & Turf Management)

The Outstanding Intern Award recognizes a student who demonstrated exceptional growth and achievement during their internship.

Kaleb Hummer, from Richmond, Virginia, completed his internship at The Hollows Golf Club in Hanover County. During his internship, he was responsible for course maintenance tasks, including mowing greens and fairways, and gained valuable hands-on experience in daily golf course operations.

Kaleb is a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and worked through Facebook Marketplace during his time as a student. After graduation, he plans to pursue automotive sales while also flipping houses part-time.

His internship experience sparked renewed focus and enthusiasm for the field, with noticeable growth in both performance and engagement upon returning to campus.

Recipient: Mack Blackwell (Applied Agricultural Management)

The Scholarly Achievement Award is presented to the student who earned the highest GPA in the graduating class.

Mack Blackwell demonstrated exceptional dedication to academic excellence, consistently producing high-quality work and maintaining a strong commitment to learning. Achieving the highest GPA in the class is a significant accomplishment, made even more notable by his daily commute and extensive professional responsibilities.

Despite these demands, Mack never missed a class or arrived late, reflecting remarkable discipline and reliability. His work ethic and passion for agriculture have left a lasting impression on faculty and peers alike.

Recipients: Sara Moore and Chase Bower

The Pratt Scholar Award recognizes students selected for the John Lee Pratt Agricultural Technology Animal Nutrition Research Scholarship.

Sara Moore and Chase Bower completed a year-long research project studying the effects of nitrogen fertilizer on yield and nutritive value of stockpiled tall fescue. Their work represented the final year of a four-year study, contributing valuable data to ongoing agricultural research.

Their project involved monthly data collection trips to field sites in Elliston and Steeles Tavern, Virginia. After collecting samples, they returned to Blacksburg to dry, weigh, and prepare them for analysis by an independent lab.

Their research provides important insights to help agricultural producers make informed decisions regarding forage and nutrient management. Sara also presented their findings to classmates and industry guests, further demonstrating the impact of their work.