Every year, All-America Selections (AAS) hosts an awards ceremony to honor two individuals who have given significantly to AAS. One award is the prestigious AAS Medallion of Honor, an award designed to recognize someone with a lifelong dedication to advancement in the field of horticulture. Another equally prestigious award is the Breeder’s Cup which was established in 2004 to recognize a breeder who has dramatically influenced horticulture by his or her work in bringing significant improvements to specific flower or vegetable classes.

AAS Medallion of Honor

The 2017 Medallion of Honor recipient is Vicky Rupley of Harris Seeds in Rochester, New York. Vicky started her career by attending the University of Rhode Island, including a summer internship pollinating tomatoes at Harris Seeds. She then went on to UC Davis in California and received a Masters in Agriculture Education earing her credentials to teach and lecture on vegetable crops. In 1985 Vicky transitioned to the industry, working at Harris Moran Seed Company, Ball Seed, Sluis & Groot and Harris Seeds where today she serves as the company’s Executive Vice President.

In addition to her professional career, Vicky has generously given of her time as a member of the National Garden Bureau Board of Directors from 1995-1998 then as a member of the All-America Selections Council of Judges beginning in 2006. While serving as a judge, Vicky then joined the AAS Board of Directors as a Director, Vice President, President, Past-President from 2007-2015.

Fellow AAS Director Mark Gross from PanAmerican Seed, a long-time industry colleague, and friend of Ms. Rupley presented the Medallion award.

All-America Selections proudly salutes an industry achiever who humbly does so much for the industry, including All-America Selections. Congratulations Vicky!
                    

Previous AAS Medallion of Honor Recipients

AAS Breeder’s Cup

The All-America Selections Breeders Cup was established in 2004 to recognize a plant breeder who dramatically influenced horticulture by breeding new cultivars that brought significant improvements to those classes. All-America Selections is very proud to announce that the 2016 Breeder’s Cup Award recipient is Janika Eckert of Johnny’s Selected Seeds in Albion, Maine.

Christopher Saladi, Canadian Sales Manager at Johnny’s presented Janika with her award while chronicling her interesting and varied career leading to her becoming a vegetable breeder. Janika’s first AAS Winner was Diva cucumber in 2002. That was followed quickly by Carmen pepper in 2006 then Escamillo and Cornito Giallo peppers earlier this year. Originally from LaCrosse, Wisconsin, and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Janika was especially pleased to return to her home state in  2016 to accept her award.

Previous AAS Breeders’ Cup Recipients