Salinas third-grader Miranda Lopez was the lucky winner of the annual Bonnie Plants cabbage-growing contest, intended to spark children’s interest in agriculture and the origins of their food. More than 67,000 California third-graders received cabbage plants to take home, nurture and grow. Miranda’s 23-pound specimen won her $1,000 from Bonnie Plants for her future education and a letter of congratulations from Secretary Ross!
Miranda Lopez
c/o Jacqueline Terrazas, Principal
Madonna del Sasso School
20 Santa Teresa Way
Salinas, CA 93906
Dear Miranda:
Congratulations on being the California State winner of the 2016 Bonnie Plants’ 3rd Grade Cabbage Program! As Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, I know how much effort and dedication it must have taken to grow such an impressive cabbage.
Through this work, you have learned what it takes for our farmers to grow the food that eventually ends up on the plates of families all throughout the land. I hereby grant you the title of “honorary farmer” and know that you are always welcome to stop by the Department if you are ever in Sacramento.
Growing a cabbage takes investment, faith, commitment and practice, all values that will serve you well in life and in pursuit of your education. The $1,000 award will help you in this effort and I look forward to hearing about your future success in whatever profession you decide to pursue.
Again, congratulations on your accomplishment and best wishes for the future.
Yours truly,
Karen Ross
Secretary