These highly trained and talented volunteers have become the ?first responders' for horticultural education across the state, including here in the Valley.

We're looking for people who have the inclination and the time to learn about horticulture from experts, then go out into the community to seek the resources they need to teach gardening and landscaping to school kids, youth organizations, civic groups, city beautification efforts, or anybody that calls into our office wanting gardening or landscaping advice.

Master Gardeners graduates become part of Texas Cooperative Extension as volunteers, and even after they complete their classroom instruction and 50 hours of volunteer work, they must do 12 hours of volunteer work every year to maintain their certified Master Gardener status.

We'll accept applications through Feb. 10, or until the class of 15 fills up, whichever comes first.

Education reform has as its main purpose to make sure that the education delivered is of quality.

Community colleges provide higher education where people live, helping to build strong ladders of opportunity that allow people to secure a foothold in the middle class.