At its annual awards banquet in Rochester, New York, All-America Selections (AAS) awarded Vicky Rupley of Harris Seeds with its 2017 Medallion of Honor.
The AAS Medallion of Honor is presented to an individual who has demonstrated lifelong dedication to the advancement of horticulture.
Rupley started her career by attending the University of Rhode Island, including a summer internship pollinating tomatoes at Harris Seeds. She then went on to the University of California, Davis, and received a master’s in agriculture education earning her credentials to teach and lecture on vegetable crops.
In 1985, Rupley 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, Rupley 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 AAS Council of Judges beginning in 2006. While serving as a judge, Rupley then joined the AAS Board of Directors as a director, vice president, president and past-president from 2007-2015.
