Over the last six decades, the American Floral Endowment (AFE) has invested more than $20 million into the industry through internships, scholarships, education, and research to help support the next generation of floriculture leaders. 

With a staunch commitment to education, AFE provides more academic scholarships in floriculture than any other organization, helping to alleviate the financial burden of higher learning and proactively strengthening the industry well into the future. This year, through the generosity of our donors, we provided $67,600 in scholarships – nearly $10,000 more than the year before. In 2024, 24 students from universities in the United States and Canada were awarded scholarships. This year, we received 106 applications reviewed and scored by 60 industry member volunteers. 

Please join us in congratulating AFE’s Scholarship Class of 2024! Learn more about these future industry leaders and what these scholarships mean to them.

Tatum Gogna

University of Nevada, Reno, Agriculture Science and Economics
American Florists’ Exchange Scholarship – $3,100

Tatum Gogna of Lodi, California, is a junior at the University of Nevada seeking a dual major in Agriculture Science and Agriculture Economics and a minor in Agriculture Communications. She anticipates graduating from college a year early, in May 2025. Her future career goals include agriculture education and advocacy.

“I am beyond thankful for this scholarship as it allows me to finish my final year of school and graduate debt-free,” Gogna said. “I am grateful to all who made this scholarship possible.”

About the American Florists’ Exchange Scholarships:
The Original Los Angeles Flower Market was established in 1921, and the flower market is now part of the largest wholesale flower district in the U.S. Eligible recipients are juniors or seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, majoring in agriculture with an emphasis on a future in floriculture. This scholarship provides tuition assistance to students attending a college/university in California or student residents of California attending a college/university in other areas of the US.

Sophia LeBard

Washington State University, Integrated Plant Sciences
Julio and Sarah Armellini Scholarship – $3,200

Sophia LeBard of Pullman, Washington, is a senior at Washington State University majoring in landscape, nursery, and greenhouse management. After graduating in December 2024, LeBard plans to work in the wholesale floral industry, with an interest in fieldwork and wedding floral designs. She also plans to own a greenhouse operation. LeBard was also the recipient of the Julio and Sarah Armellini Scholarship in 2023. 

“Knowing that I am supported by the professional industry has boosted my confidence in entering this new professional space,” said LeBard. “I am grateful to receive the education I have, and I could not have done it without help from amazing organizations such as the American Floral Endowment.”

About the Julio and Sarah Armellini Scholarships:
Julio “Toots” Armellini was the founder of Armellini Express Lines, the largest flower carrier service in the U.S. Armellini enlisted in the Navy as a “Seabee” and was stationed all around the globe as a mechanic, where he learned the skills he used to modernize refrigerated trucking. Armellini Logistics was started in 1945. Today, Armellini Logistics encompasses many businesses: Armellini Express Lines, Inc., J.A. Flower Service, Armellini Freight Brokerage, Armellini Air Express, and Dash Mobile Storage. Established by Julio and Sarah before their passing, the Julio and Sarah Armellini Scholarship is intended for sophomores, juniors, or seniors with a career interest in the marketing or distribution of floral products.

Sophia Schmidt

Iowa State University, Horticulture
Ball Horticultural Company Scholarship – $1,100

Sophia Schmidt of Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a senior at Iowa State University, where she has developed a strong interest in herbaceous ornamental and vegetable breeding. After graduating in May 2025, Schmidt plans to further her education to obtain her doctorate in plant breeding or plant genomics and eventually join a private breeding company for ornamental or vegetable crops.

“The American Floral Endowment scholarship not only helps fund my education in horticulture at Iowa State University but also supports my pursuit of extracurricular experiences in horticulture that give me real-world work experience,” said Schmidt.

About the Ball Horticultural Company Scholarship
Ball Horticultural Company is a leading international breeder, producer, and wholesale distributor of floriculture products. Ball brings the beginnings of color, foliage, fruit, and form to professional growers around the world for the retail and landscape markets. The Ball Horticultural Company Scholarship is intended for junior or senior students pursuing a career in commercial floriculture.

Timothy Langone

State University of New York (SUNY), Farmingdale, Horticultural Technology Management
BioWorks IPM/Sustainable Practices Scholarship – $1,700
Long Island Flower Growers Association (LIFGA) Scholarship – $1,500

Timothy Langone of North Bellmore, New York, is a senior at SUNY, Farmingdale, majoring in ornamental horticulture. As an employee for Old Westbury Gardens in New York for over two years, Langone has had the opportunity to work in cultivating historic plant material, which has heightened his interest in florals and their applications. He plans to continue his work there into the future. 

“I am absolutely thrilled to have been selected as a scholarship recipient,” Langone said. “The financial assistance will further my abilities to prosper in the horticulture industry, specifically by continuing my education in florals and their related topics.”

About the BioWorks IPM/Sustainable Practices Scholarship
The BioWorks IPM/Sustainable Practices Scholarship is intended for sophomore, junior, or senior students pursuing a career in floriculture. Students are selected on the basis of sound academic performance and a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. While not mandatory, it is strongly desired that the student be interested in furthering the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) or sustainable practices, and preference is given in this area.

About the Long Island Flower Growers Association (LIFGA) Scholarship
The LIFGA scholarship was established in 2010. LIFGA members represent growers and retailers promoting research, education and sales of ornamentals in the local market. The LIFGA scholarship is intended for students in the Long Island/New York area studying ornamental horticulture at a community college or a four-year institution.

Jamie Paige

University of New Hampshire, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
James Bridenbaugh Memorial Scholarship – $500
Jacob and Rita Van Namen Marketing Scholarship – $2,100

Jamie Paige of Woodbury, Connecticut, is a sophomore at the University of New Hampshire, majoring in sustainable agriculture and food systems. Her career plans after graduation include owning and operating a cut flower farm that produces flowers for local use and implements sustainable practices such as cover and rotational cropping in the growing methods. Paige also aspires to become an agricultural specialist for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a university extension program. 

“With these funds, I will be able to continue my studies at university and work towards a degree that will assist me in my future career in horticulture,” Paige said. “These scholarships assist in relieving the financial burden that college imposes.”

About the James Bridenbaugh Memorial Scholarship:
Jim Bridenbaugh was a specialist in fresh flowers and plants, designing and commentating at design shows and seminars. His floral industry knowledge, comedic storytelling, and audience rapport made him a favorite. Jim served as OFA president from 1989 to 1991. The Bridenbaugh scholarship is for sophomore, junior, or senior students who are pursuing a career in floral design and marketing of fresh flowers and plants.

About the Jacob and Rita Van Namen Marketing Scholarship:
The Jacob and Rita Van Namen Marketing Scholarship was established in January 1997. Jacob Van Namen is a true entrepreneur who built a multimillion-dollar business in wholesale floriculture. This award is intended to develop knowledgeable, creative individuals who will improve the floriculture industry. The Van Namen Scholarship requires students to have a career interest in agribusiness marketing and distribution of floral products and be of sophomore, junior, or senior standing.

Carla Quimson

California State Polytechnic University (Cal Poly), Pomona, Landscape Architecture
CalFlowers Scholarship – $4,250

Carla Quimson of San Diego, California, is a junior at Cal Poly Pomona studying landscape architecture. She is a horticulturist overseeing the 22,000-foot native garden at the San Diego Natural History Museum. With a strong focus on community engagement, Quimson intends to use her education to further design cityscapes, emphasizing integrating native plantings and urban city agriculture, including Agrihoods, community gardens, and learning centers. 

“Receiving the CalFlowers scholarship allows me to fully dedicate myself to studying our native ecology without the financial burden,” said Quimson. “It means I can wholeheartedly pursue my passion for environmental learning and contribute to preserving our natural heritage.”

Jada Sanchez

Fresno State University, Agriculture Education
CalFlowers Scholarship – $4,250

Jada Sanchez of Santa Maria, California, is a sophomore at Fresno State, majoring in agriculture education and minoring in plant science. She owns and operates Jada’s Floriculture Designs and More. Sanchez plans to further her education to become an agriculture teacher and continue growing her business.

“Being a product of your generosity by receiving this scholarship allows me to pave the way to being in a position where I get to help others every day by fulfilling my goal of being an agriculture teacher,” Sanchez said.

About the CalFlowers Scholarship:
The CalFlowers Scholarship is for undergraduate students attending an accredited California college/university (first priority) or an undergraduate California resident attending an accredited college/university elsewhere in the U.S. Students do not need to be majoring in an agricultural program but must demonstrate a commitment to seeking employment in the floriculture industry after graduation. A work history or meaningful internship experience in floriculture is necessary if not obtaining an agricultural degree. GPA of 3.0 or higher. Founded in 1941, the California Association of Flower Growers & Shippers fosters the success of the California floral industry and is the leading floral trade association in CA serving growers and the entire supply chain in the state and in 47 states across the U.S.

Cienna Tonini

Colorado State University, Floriculture
John Carew Memorial Scholarship – $2,200

Cienna Tonini of Fort Collins, Colorado, is a graduate student at Colorado State University, obtaining her master’s degree in floriculture. Following her education, Tonini plans to own a retail and wholesale greenhouse, producing edible and medicinal plant species. She is also considering a career in teaching, and educating at the college level about sustainable horticulture. 

“I am truly grateful to be awarded this scholarship because it will greatly support my college funds and future business savings, leading me one step closer to my dream. I am very thankful to my donors and am honored to be recognized.”

About the John Carew Memorial Scholarship
John Carew, former head of the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University, dedicated his career to encouraging and guiding young horticulturists. He was instrumental in establishing BPI in 1969. The Carew scholarship is open to graduate students in horticulture with an interest in greenhouse crops.

Rebecca Juntunen

University of Florida at Milton, Plant Science
Carlson-Johnson Scholarship for Nontraditional Students – $1,300

Rebecca Juntunen of Pensacola, Florida, is a junior at the University of Florida at Milton studying plant science. Her areas of interest are annual and perennial flowers. Prior to returning to college for her second degree, Juntunen was a teacher for four years. Post-graduation, Juntunen plans to develop the annual growing department at her current company, Guerra Tree Farm Nursery, where she serves as assistant propagation manager.

“Receiving the Carlson-Johnson Scholarship means that I will be able to focus more of my time and effort in the fall on my plant science studies, providing financial support that will allow me to reduce my work hours and increase my number of credit hours,” Juntunen said. “This shifting in my credit hours will allow me to graduate earlier than expected and move directly into my horticulture field of choice, the seed preservation industry.”

About the Carlson-Johnson Scholarship for Nontraditional Students:
Barbara Carlson, along with her husband Will, was instrumental in the establishment of the Bedding Plant International (BPI) trade association, which served hundreds of growers. Fran Johnson enjoyed a long, productive career with the John Henry Co., a horticultural printing firm in Lansing, Mich. Fran also made many significant and practical contributions of time and talent through BPI to advance the greenhouse industry. The Carlson-Johnson Scholarship for Nontraditional Students is awarded to students re-entering school after a minimum three-year absence who have an interest in bedding and/or floral crops.

Lydia Grampp

Illinois State University, Horticulture
Earl Dedman Memorial Scholarship – $2,200

Lydia Grampp of Pontiac, Illinois, is a senior at Illinois State University majoring in horticulture and minoring in biology. She is interested in plant breeding and biotechnology. Grampp’s career goals include working in ornamental plant production, eventually becoming a flower farmer to operate a you-pick farm, as well as selling at farmer’s markets and designing event flowers.

“This scholarship allows me to follow my dreams of being a flower farmer,” Grampp said. “I can now be stress-free and can focus on getting internships and more involved in resume-building clubs.”

About the Earl Dedman Memorial Scholarship:
Earl Dedman owned and operated Mountainview Greenhouses in Woodinville, Wash., and was a former president of BPFI. In addition to his participation with BPFI and BPI, Earl was involved with the Montana State Flower Growers, the Puget Sound Flower Growers, and the Washington Floricultural Association. The Earl Dedman Scholarship is awarded to junior or senior students who maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and are interested in becoming greenhouse growers.

Francisco Garcia

College of DuPage, Valley City State University, Illinois, Horticulture
Dewar Family Scholarship Fund – $3,900
Suntory Flowers “Dream Big” Scholarship – $1,900

Francisco Garcia of Elgin, Illinois, is a senior at the College of DuPage at Valley City State University in Illinois. Garcia is majoring in business management with an emphasis on horticulture. He is the owner and operator of Chicago St. Sunflower Co., a three-acre micro farm and retail location in Elgin. Garcia’s special interests in the industry include greenhouse crop production, floral design, interior plantscaping, biophilic design, sustainability, and conservation. His career goals include advancing his business and teaching within the College of DuPage horticulture program.

“As a sustainability commissioner for my city, educator for local conservation organizations, volunteer board member of local groups, business owner, and student, this support allows me to excel in all of my roles,” Garcia said. “I am both extremely proud and grateful to receive this assistance as it makes everything possible.”

About the Dewar Family Scholarship:
The Dewar Family Scholarship Fund is awarded to undergraduate juniors or seniors studying environmental horticulture with an emphasis and focus on a career in floriculture. The fund was established by the Dewar Family of Dewar Nurseries, which was established in 1963 by founder Alex Dewar with the vision of providing premier plants and exemplary customer service. The Dewar Family appreciates the value of a quality education and is excited to encourage young professionals to enter floriculture production and business with this scholarship.

About the Suntory Flowers “Dream Big” Scholarship:
Suntory Flowers Scholarship is intended for junior or senior undergraduates attending a 2- or 4-year institution with a focus on a career in floriculture or ornamental horticulture breeding or production, with a passion for exploration in developing new and innovative floral products. Based in Japan, Suntory Flowers is a world-class breeding company dedicated to innovation and enriching lives by creating a world that’s alive with flowers. 

Charlotte Simmons

Tennessee Technological University, Agriculture
Ferriss Horticulture Scholarship – $2,100

Charlotte Simmons of Normandy, Tennessee, is a senior at the Tennessee Technological University majoring in agriculture with a focus on horticulture. Simmons has a special interest in ornamental horticulture, working in the field growing flowering landscape annuals/perennials and cut flowers. Her plans after college include obtaining a position in the nursery industry where she can further her interests in growing specialty blooming plants.

“Many people reading this will simply see a dollar amount on a check, but to me, this scholarship means greater opportunity to focus on my academics, volunteer, learn, and invest in my future in the floriculture industry,” Simmons said. “To all who have made this award possible, thank you for the way you have set me up for success.

About the Ferriss Horticulture Scholarship:
The Ferriss Horticulture Scholarship is awarded annually to an undergraduate student entering their junior or senior year who is majoring in horticulture or plant sciences with a career interest in herbaceous ornamental plants and the floriculture industry. The scholarship honors and recognizes Dr. Terry Ferriss, who retired in 2015 from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) after 36 years of teaching. She was the first tenured female faculty member in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at UWRF, the first woman to serve as the Plant and Earth Sciences Department chair, and the first woman to serve as an associate dean for the college.

Alexandra Cseri

University of Rhode Island, Plant Science and Wildlife & Conservation Biology
Garcia Family Scholarship – $3,400

Alexandra Cseri of New Hope, Pennsylvania, is a senior at the University of Rhode Island studying plant science. She will be a teaching assistant for field botany and taxonomy in her final year of college. Her future plans include focusing on marketing and distribution in the floral industry to develop sustainable packaging solutions and strengthen the efficiency of the floral supply chain.

“This scholarship not only supports my plant science education at the University of Rhode Island but also ignites my passion to pursue a career in the floral industry,” said Cseri. “I hope to make the most of this opportunity and invest it in my future and my future impacts in the horticultural field.”

About the Garcia Family Scholarship:
The Garcia Family Scholarship Fund is intended for students attending a two-year college or juniors or seniors attending a four-year institution with a career focus on the marketing or distribution of floral products, including retail, wholesale, manufacturing, and/or floral business ownership/operations. The Garcia Family has proudly served the floral industry since 1965. Owned by the Garcia family, Garcia Group, Inc. operates six different divisions: Floral-Pak® Company; Plus One Imports™; Garcia Group Glass—Floraglas® and G3® brand products; Vase D’Lite® and Premium Wood Picks. All are represented exclusively by the Pete Garcia Company™ THE BEST LINES IN THE WORLD®.

Sophia Mignery

Wilmington College, Agriculture
Harold Bettinger Scholarship – $2,200 

Sophia Mignery of Hamilton, Ohio, is a junior at Wilmington College in her home state. She is majoring in agriculture business with a double minor in sustainability and business management. Upon completing her education, Mignery plans to open and market her own cut flowers or edible flowers farm.

“Because of the generosity of the American Floral Endowment and its donors, I am able to pursue my dream of becoming a sustainable flower farmer, helping to someday supply others with beautiful and ethically sourced flowers,” Mignery said.

About the Harold Bettinger Scholarship:
Harold Bettinger was a partner at Bettinger Farms in Swanton, Ohio. In the mid-’50s, he was one of the first progressive growers to convert his bedding plant production from wooden to plastic flats. Bettinger Farms now grows greenhouse and field vegetables. The Bettinger Scholarship is intended for horticulture students, sophomore through graduate levels, who have a major or minor in business and/or marketing with the intent to apply their education to a horticulture-related career business.

Julia Dahl

Cornell University, New York, Biological Sciences
Long Island Flower Growers Association (LIFGA) – Bob Gunther Scholarship – $1,300

Julia Dahl of Ithaca, New York, is a senior at Cornell University, majoring in biological sciences with a concentration in plant science. Dahl’s area of interest is plant propagation, specifically tissue culture and grafting of ornamental plants. Following a year working as a research assistant for the Boyce Thompson Institute on the Cornell University campus, Dahl is planning a career in agricultural research within the horticulture field. 

“This scholarship makes it possible for me to concentrate fully on my studies as I pursue my degree,” Dahl said. “It also enables me to pursue opportunities that expand my career possibilities and passion for horticulture.”

About the Long Island Flower Growers Association (LIFGA) – Bob Gunther Scholarship
This scholarship was established in memory of the late Bob Gunther, owner of Gunther’s Greenhouses & Florist in Oceanside, New York. It is intended for students from Long Island and New York studying ornamental horticulture at a community college or four-year institution in New York. This includes floriculture, landscape maintenance, landscape design, turf, and any other courses of study related to ornamental horticulture. Robert Edward “Bob” Gunther was treasurer for LIFGA for many years and instrumental in the establishment of LIFGA’s first scholarship. Gunther received the Lifetime Achievement Award from LIFGA. He and his brother Fred took over the family business after his father passed away in 1969. Bob ran the business up until his passing in 2015 at the age of 85.

Patrick Veazie

North Carolina State University, Horticulture
Richard T. Meister Scholarship – $4,400

Patrick Veazie of Kannapolis, North Carolina, is a graduate student at North Carolina State University, where he is obtaining his PhD in horticulture. Veazie’s primary focus is greenhouse extension related to plant nutrition, soilless substrates, and plant growth regulators. He plans to become a grower specialist, providing technical support to growers within the floriculture and greenhouse crop industries. 

“Thank you to the contributors of the American Floral Endowment scholarship program who continue to support the next generation of industry members,” Veazie said. “This scholarship will allow me to continue to follow my passion for creating technical extension resources for greenhouse growers.”

About the Richard T. Meister Scholarship:
Dick Meister built a family business in publishing for specialized growers in commercial horticulture. He is a strong supporter of the land-grant college system and, through the years, worked closely with many horticultural and floricultural leaders. This scholarship is dedicated to the outstanding accomplishments of those in university extension and especially to Will Carlson in floriculture. The Meister scholarship is open to graduate students in floriculture intending to pursue their career in the land-grant university system with an interest in research, extension, or teaching.

Rylee Brown

University of Arkansas, Agriculture
National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association (NGMA) Scholarship – $600

Rylee Brown of West Plains, Missouri, is a junior at the University of Arkansas, completing her undergraduate studies in agriculture, majoring in horticulture, landscape, and turf sciences. Brown has a special interest in tomato production, breeding, and preserving heirloom tomato varieties and other vegetables and flowers. She plans to continue her education in graduate school with a career goal of working in greenhouse production or seed industries. 

“This scholarship is greatly appreciated by myself and my family,” Brown said. “As a junior at the University of Arkansas, I will be able to use this scholarship to help me finish out the last two years of my undergraduate education.”

About the National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association (NGMA) Scholarship:
The National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association (NGMA) is a professional trade organization for the manufacturers and suppliers of greenhouses and greenhouse components built to codes designed for a grower’s needs. The NGMA scholarship targets students majoring in horticulture and bioengineering or the equivalent and are at least a junior at an accredited four-year college maintaining a 3.0 GPA.

Tanner Johnson

University of Saskatchewan, Canada, Agriculture
Mike and Flo Novovesky Scholarship – $3,100

Tanner Johnson of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, is a junior at the University of Saskatchewan majoring in horticulture science. He has a special interest in extension work. His focus is on fruiting horticulture crops, greenhouse and field vegetable production, nursery stock, floriculture, and cut flowers. Following graduation, Johnson plans to work as a horticulture extension specialist with horticulture producers and gardeners in Saskatchewan.

“I am overjoyed to have been selected for the Mike and Flo Novovesky Scholarship and to be a part of its continued legacy,” Johnson said. “Practically, this scholarship will help meet the direct financial needs that my wife and I carry while I’m in school. On a more personal level, the encouragement of having my passion for horticulture recognized is equally meaningful.”

About the Mike and Flo Novovesky Scholarship:
Mike and Flo Novovesky have enjoyed more than 30 years of active participation in the floriculture industry. The Novoveskys know first-hand the hardships a young couple must overcome when balancing a career and a family. Their scholarship fund aims to help young married students working to put themselves through college and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Depending on the availability of married applicants, the scholarship may also go to an undergraduate working his or her way through school with financial need and family obligations. The keys are a strong interest in horticulture and financial need.

Anya Nygaard

University of California, Davis, Environmental Science and Management
James K. Rathmell, Jr. Memorial Scholarship for Horticultural Work/Study Abroad – $4,100

Anya Nygaard of Laguna Niguel, California, is a junior at the University of California, Davis. She majors in environmental science and management with an emphasis on ecology, biodiversity, and conservation and minors in geographic information systems. Nygaard has a special interest in monitoring biodiversity and conservation while communicating the findings through data science and writing. With the help of the scholarship, Nygaard studied abroad to complete her university writing requirement at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland in the summer of 2024.

“This generous award has allowed me to focus more on my studies and fully enjoy my experience at my dream school,” Nygaard said.

About the James K. Rathmell, Jr. Memorial Scholarship for Horticultural Work/Study Abroad:
Jim Rathmell was a horticulture extension specialist at Penn State University who promoted communication and cooperation with horticulturists in other countries. A widely published author, he worked with commercial growers to implement many outstanding educational programs. The Rathmell scholarship is awarded to junior or senior-level undergraduates or graduate students who have a specific plan for horticulture work/study outside of the U.S.

Jesse Potts 

University of Florida, Horticulture
Ruby N. & Roland A. Whealy Memorial Scholarship – $2,100

Jesse Potts of Homestead, Florida, is a graduate student at the University of Florida, obtaining his PhD in Horticulture with a concentration in environmental horticulture. His research focuses on vanilla and petunia biotechnology development. Potts’ career goals include working in the horticulture industry, where he can develop novel plant varieties that can withstand the challenges of climate change. 

“I am truly honored to receive the Ruby N. & Roland A. Whealy Memorial Scholarship, which will significantly boost my research efforts currently underway in vanilla and petunia biotechnology development,” Potts said. “In endeavors toward the improvement of disease resistance, prolongation of the flowering period, and even the introduction of novel varieties, like glow-in-the-dark petunias, I would like to be part of sustainable and resilient horticultural practices that are very important for climate adaptation.

About the Ruby N. & Roland A. Whealy Memorial Scholarship:
Established by Dr. C. Anne Whealy, this scholarship honors her parents and their commitment to continued education and community service and ensures future generations are able to achieve their academic goals. It supports horticulture graduate students with a minimum 3.0 GPA and a research focus on reducing the effects of changing climates on floriculture crops. This scholarship aims to support students doing work in this critical and impactful field. 

Nadia Phillips

University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, Plant Science
Seed Companies Scholarship – $2,600

Nadia Phillips of Silver Bay, Minnesota, is a senior in the College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Sciences at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. Phillips’ special interest is working within a plant breeding program, focusing on cover crops and agronomic crops. She is also interested in statistics, outreach/extension work in plant science, and forestry research. After graduation, Phillips would like to continue working in plant breeding programs. She intends to further her education in graduate school, focusing on plant breeding or agronomics.

“This scholarship is not only an honor but a weight off my shoulders, as I am a first-generation college student and pay for my college education solely by myself,” Phillips said. “I thank the donors greatly that chose to support students just like me to afford to pursue a university degree.”

About the Seed Companies Scholarship:
The seed companies Ball, Pan-American, Goldsmith, and Syngenta are leaders in the seed production and breeding industry, providing new, improved varieties. These seed companies cooperatively sponsor this scholarship. The seed companies’ scholarship requires students to have a career goal within the seed industry and be junior- or senior-level undergraduates or graduate students.

Cora Manica

Kansas State University, Horticulture
John L. Tomasovic, Sr. Scholarship – $1,600

Cora Manica of Shawnee, Kansas, is a senior at Kansas State University earning an undergraduate degree in horticulture with a concentration in greenhouse production. Her special interests are in cut flower and vegetable production in both greenhouses and outdoor field production. She plans to pursue a career in floriculture, small farm flower and cut vegetable production. She also hopes to travel internationally to help others around the world develop their own small farms.

“I’m so excited and honored to have received this scholarship, which will help me complete classes to pursue my dream and give back to others one day,” Manica said.

About the John L. Tomasovic, Sr. Scholarship:
John Tomasovic, past president of BPFI, has grown his family business, Tomasovic Greenhouses and Nursery, Inc., in St. Louis, which includes a greenhouse from the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. They produce bedding plants, along with nursery stock, mums, poinsettias, and bulbs. The Tomasovic scholarship offers special consideration for sophomore, junior, or senior undergraduate students with financial need and a grade point average between 3.0 and 3.5.

Loretta Klecker

Michigan State University, Horticulture
Edward Tuinier Memorial Scholarship – $5,300

Loretta Klecker of Watertown, Wisconsin, is a junior at Michigan State University, majoring in horticulture and minoring in business and plant, animal, and microbial biotechnology. Klecker’s focus is on breeding and growing ornamental flowering plants. After graduation, she plans to work in the floral area of horticulture. 

“This scholarship will go toward my continued education in horticulture at Michigan State University,” Klecker said. “It will help bring me one step closer to my goals, and I really appreciate it.”

About the Edward Tuinier Memorial Scholarship: 
Ed Tuinier, owner of Post Gardens, loved the greenhouse business, building his firm to one of the top 50 U.S. companies and inspiring his children, all of whom work in one of the two Post Gardens locations. A graduate of Michigan State University, Ed was a major benefactor of the MSU horticulture program and demonstration gardens. The Tuinier Scholarship is awarded to sophomore, junior, or senior undergraduate students enrolled in the floriculture program at Michigan State University.

Abbie Wade

Ohio State University, Greenhouse and Nursery Management
Vocational (Bettinger, Holden & Perry) Scholarship – $1,600

Abbie Wade of Sandusky, Ohio, is a sophomore earning an Associate of Applied Science in the Agriculture Technical Institute at Ohio State University. Her area of interest includes vegetable, annual, and perennial production. Wade enjoys creating planters and hanging baskets. Her future career plans include working with the city greenhouse and eventually managing the business. She also would like to start a program with Sandusky City Schools to educate students and staff about horticulture and the careers available in the industry.

“Receiving this scholarship brings me one step closer to accomplishing not only my career goal, but my dream of managing my own greenhouse,” Wade said.

About the Vocational (Bettinger, Holden & Perry) Scholarship:
The Vocational (Bettinger, Holden & Perry) scholarship requires students to be in a one- or two-year program with the intent to become a grower or greenhouse manager. The vocational scholarship awards a scholarship in honor of: LEONARD BETTINGER, a successful greenhouse grower in the Bettinger Farms family business in Toledo, Ohio, and president of the BPI trade association (1974-76); JOHN HOLDEN, who had a long career at Ball Seed Co. and was active in the BPI trade association; JIM PERRY, a respected wholesale nurseryman, who grew Perry’s Plants of La Puente, Calif., into one of the largest bedding plant operations in the U.S and president of BPI (1972-1974).

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 AFE awards scholarships annually, and applications are due by May 1 of each year. Scholarship descriptions are available here.