Several Master Gardeners from University of Illinois Extension – Boone/DeKalb/Ogle earned awards in three major categories during the 2012 Illinois Master Gardener Awards ceremony Sept. 7 in Crystal Lake.

DeKalb County had three volunteers honored with an Outstanding Master Gardener Award. This award recognizes the strong individual effort of each Master Gardener. The Master Gardeners are nominated by their peers and local coordinators for the leadership and service they provide to the community.

Carole Cook-John of Sycamore received the award in recognition of her leadership in the Garden Walk Plant Sale as volunteer coordinator, as well as a writer and speaker educating DeKalb County community members on how to care for perennials and other topics.