BDN interviews Hopkins about Maple Hall of Fame induction

The Bangor Daily News reported the North American Maple Syrup Council recently announced that Kathryn Hopkins, a University of Maine Cooperative Extension educator, will be inducted into its Maple Hall of Fame. Hopkins is one of the creators of the International Maple Syrup Institute Maple Grading School, which has helped the industry make strides in quality control since it started in 2004, and has served on the board of directors of the International Maple Syrup Institute since 2008, according to the article. “I’ve enjoyed my work, but I never anticipated that it would lead to something like being nominated for the hall of fame,” Hopkins said. “I’m still speechless.” To date, 91 individuals from 13 states and four Canadian provinces have been inducted. Hopkins is only the second Mainer to receive the prestigious honor, the BDN reported. Even when Hopkins is delving into the grittier side of maple syrup manufacturing, she always finds joy in her work, the article states. “It doesn’t seem like work, it seems more like fun,” she said. “Maple people are by and large the most helpful people, the most supportive people of each other. It’s been a pleasure working with the maple industry.” The induction ceremony will take place at the International Maple Museum Centre in Croghan, New York in May 2019.