News
22 Students Receive AFE Scholarships
August 19, 2025
At the heart of the floral industry’s future are students whose passion and drive are being nurtured by the American Floral Endowment (AFE). As part of that support, AFE provides crucial funding through scholarships to help students manage the cost of their education.
This year, thanks to the generosity of AFE’s donors and industry supporters, the organization is proud to award a record $74,000 in scholarships, up from $67,600 in 2024. With 26 awards given to 22 students, the scholarships ease the financial burden of education, but more importantly, reaffirms the upcoming industry talent by believing in their potential.
Congratulations to AFE’s Scholarship Class of 2025! The organization is eager to see the impact these future industry leaders will have on the world of floriculture.
Meet this year’s scholarship recipients:
Grace Deguzman, City College of San Francisco, Retail Floristry
American Florists’ Exchange Scholarship – $3,100
Grace Deguzman of Castro Valley, California, is a junior at the City College of San Francisco studying retail floristry and floral and special events coordination. She anticipates graduating in May 2027. Her future career goals involve establishing a thriving, eco-friendly floral design business specializing in everyday arrangements, sympathy flowers, weddings, and events.
“This scholarship means I can continue to study floral design and business. My wish is to have a successful floral design business in the near future,” said Deguzman.
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.
Paul Crocker, California Polytechnic State University, Agricultural Business
Julio and Sarah Armellini Scholarship – $3,200
Jacob and Rita Van Namen Marketing Scholarship – $2,300
Paul Crocker of Gilroy, California, is a junior at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo where he is majoring in agricultural business and fruit science. After an anticipated graduation date in May 2027, he plans to enter the industry in sales and marketing or product management for flower breeders. Ultimately, he would like to own and operate a retail nursery with floral and other ornamental offerings.
“Receiving these scholarships will certainly impact the trajectory of my future, allowing me to further explore the horticulture industry,” said Crocker. “Thanks to this support, financial burdens will be alleviated, promoting my success as a student and aspiring professional!”
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.
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.
Trell Amoss, Oklahoma State University, Agribusiness
Ball Horticultural Company Scholarship – $1,200
James Bridenbaugh Memorial Scholarship – $500
Trell Amoss of Albia, Iowa, is a junior at Oklahoma State University where he is studying agribusiness and agricultural real estate appraisal. He expects to graduate in May 2027. Amoss’ career goal is to specialize in the marketing and distribution side of the floral industry, combining innovation with tradition to better serve producers and consumers. Through his work, he aims to modernize supply chains and connect growers with broader market, contributing to the future of floral distribution by applying both technology and personal service to meet evolving demands.
“This scholarship means the world to me. It lifts a huge weight off my shoulders and allows me to chase my goals with everything I’ve got,” said Amoss. “It’s not just support; it’s a reminder that people believe in my future and want to see me and my fellow students succeed.”
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.
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.
Megan Smolinski, University of Maryland, Extension Education
Harold Bettinger Scholarship – $2,400
Megan Smolinski of Takoma Park, Maryland, is a graduate student at the University of Maryland where she is working toward her master’s degree in extension education. She plans to graduate in December 2026. Smolinski earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame. She recently became a board certified Master Arborist. After graduation, Smolinski plans to work in education where she will share her knowledge and skills with students and professionals.
“I’m incredibly grateful to have received scholarship support from the American Floral Endowment,” said Smolinski. “The cost of getting a degree isn’t about tuition alone; there are books, lab fees, supplies and other costs which this award will cover for me.”
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.
Charles Colvin, Penn State University, Plant Sciences
BioWorks IPM/Sustainable Practices Scholarship – $1,900
Ferriss Horticulture Scholarship – $2,100
Charles Colvin of Malvern, Pennsylvania, is a senior at Penn State University where he is majoring in plant sciences with a specialization in plant genetics and biotechnology. Upon an anticipated graduation in May 2026, Colvin plans to become a research scientist developing environmentally sustainable floriculture and turfgrass cultivars through modern plant breeding and biotechnology. He aims to pursue a Ph.D. in plant genetics with a long-term goal of working in public research or academia.
“This scholarship is both a financial relief and a vote of confidence in my research and future,” said Colvin. “It empowers me to keep pushing the boundaries of plant breeding and sustainable agriculture and pursue my goal of earning a Ph.D. in plant genetics.
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 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.
Anya Nygaard, University of California, Davis, Environmental Science and Management
CalFlowers Scholarship – $4,250
Anya Nygaard of Laguna Niguel, California, is a senior at the University of California, Davis working toward an undergraduate degree in environmental science and management with a focus in ecology, biodiversity, and conservation. She is also studying geographic information systems. She plans to graduate in June 2026 and work in environmental research. Her goal includes entering a graduate program in ecology. Her ultimate goal is to become a conservation biologist.
“This scholarship is an incredible support of my work in sustainable agriculture and horticulture,” said Nygaard. “It not only eases the financial burden of my education but also motivates me to keep pushing forward towards a future where science empowers lasting change in how we live and grow.”
Jada Sanchez, California State University, Fresno, Agricultural Education
CalFlowers Scholarship – $4,250
Jada Sanchez of Santa Maria, California, is a senior at California State University, Fresno, where she is majoring in agricultural education and minoring in agriculture business and plant science. She intends to graduate in December 2025. Sanchez plans to continue her education to obtain a master’s degree and teaching credentials with a goal of becoming a high school agriculture teacher, educating students about plant sciences pertaining to agriculture and ornamental horticulture.
“Receiving this scholarship is very dear to my heart because within my future career, I will be surrounded by different sectors of agriculture, specifically horticulture and floriculture! The AFE scholarship has given me the support to fund my education and my journey of becoming a teacher,” said Sanchez. “For this, I will be forever grateful because it puts me in a position where I get to serve the next generation of leaders every day!”
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.
Tori Guarino, University of Florida, Environmental Horticulture
John Carew Memorial Scholarship – $2,400
Tori Guarino of Naples, Florida, is a graduate student at the University of Florida where she is studying environmental horticulture. She earned her undergraduate degree from Florida Gulf Coast University. She plans to graduate from her doctoral program in May of 2029. Afterwards, her plans are to contribute to sustainable, eco-friendly solutions for coastal erosion and habitat loss, with an emphasis on advancing the green industry through innovative, native plant solutions.
“Being funded by the American Floral Endowment provides me with more than just financial support; it gives me confidence and encouragement at a pivotal time in my academic and professional development,” said Guarino. “Being supported by the American Floral Endowment has allowed me to dedicate myself more fully to my graduate studies and research, knowing that I have the backing of a community that values environmental stewardship and education.”
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.
Stacey Thorne, Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Environmental Horticulture
Carlson-Johnson Scholarship for Nontraditional Students – $1,400
Stacey Thorne of Langley, Washington, is a sophomore at Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LW Tech). She plans to finish her two-year degree program in environmental horticulture in December 2025. Her goal is to become a professional greenhouse grower, specializing in ornamental and edible plants, with a focus on sustainable production and community impact. Her long-term career goals include managing or owning a greenhouse that serves as an educational space, promoting environmental stewardship and plan appreciation.
“Receiving this scholarship affirms that I’m on the right path — turning my passion for plants into a meaningful second career. It helps lift a weight off my shoulders and gives me the confidence and a clearer pathway to keep moving forward toward a future I truly believe in.”
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.
Rieley Mykytuik , Niagara Parks School of Horticulture, Horticulture
Earl Dedman Memorial Scholarship – $2,400
Rieley Mykytuik of Smithville, Ontario, Canada, is a senior at Niagara Parks School of Horticulture in Ontario. She plans to graduate with a diploma in professional horticulture in August of 2025. After graduation, she aspires to create designs that will evoke the feeling of childhood wonder, causing viewers to pause and remember a fond memory. She also intends to further her experience in irrigation, landscape lighting, woodworking and glasswork.
“I’m greatly thankful for the funds to help me pursue ways to develop skills that will prepare me for my future career,” said Mykytuik.
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.
Brooke Usher, University of Georgia, Horticulture
Dewar Family Scholarship Fund – $3,900
Suntory Flowers “Dream Big” Scholarship – $2,000
Brooke Usher of Athens, Georgia, is a senior at the University of Georgia. She is majoring in horticulture and plans to graduate in December 2026. Her career goals include advancing the integration of floriculture and ornamental plant breeding by developing innovative, high-performance cultivars that meet both the aesthetic and functional demands of the modern horticulture industry. Long-term, Brooke plans to return to academia to teach the next generation of horticulturalists
“This is an incredible honor that fuels my commitment to making a meaningful impact on the green industry,” said Brooke. “This support empowers me to pursue my education and future career in horticulture with greater confidence and purpose.”
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.
Maddox Libera, Niagara Parks School of Horticulture, Ornamental Horticulture
Garcia Family Scholarship – $3,400
Maddox Libera of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, is a junior at Niagara Parks School of Horticulture. He is majoring in ornamental horticulture and plans to graduate in August 2027. After completing his undergraduate degree, Libera plans to continue that enjoyment he has found in working in flower shops for the last five years by owning a flower farm and garden center in Niagara Falls, Canada.
“This generous scholarship helps push me toward fulfilling my dream of building positive connections through small-scale flower production,” said Libera. “I am so grateful and excited for your opportunities and support!”
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®.
Joseph DelConte, Cornell University, Plant Science
Long Island Flower Growers Association (LIFGA) Scholarship – $1,700
Joseph DelConte of Oswego, New York, is a senior at Cornell University in New York. He is majoring in Plant Sciences with a concentration in plant breeding. He expects to graduate in May 2026. He plans to continue his studies to earn an advanced degree ultimately pursuing a career in plant breeding and genetics, placing himself at the forefront of the work that results in releasing new varieties to growers.
“It is an honor to be awarded this scholarship, as it is encouraging to have the support of the Long Island Flower Growers Association,” said DelConte. “This award will go a long way in helping me in my studies as I build a career in plant breeding.”
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.
Jaclyn Stoughton, Farmingdale State College, Ornamental Horticulture
Long Island Flower Growers Association (LIFGA) – Bob Gunther Scholarship – $1,400
Jaclyn Stoughton of Astoria, New York, is a senior at Farmingdale State College majoring in ornamental horticulture and minoring in landscape design. Her anticipated graduation date is May 2026. Her interests are in floriculture as well as sustainable landscape design, plant breeding and grafting. Her future career goals include reconnecting people with nature while nurturing the landscape while navigating a new climate era.
“This scholarship is fueling my passion to create, connect, and cultivate through the art of plants and flowers,” said Stoughton. “It’s an investment not only in my education, but in a future formed by living beauty, innovation, and stewardship of the natural world.
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.
Hauk Boyes, North Carolina State University, Horticulture
Richard T. Meister Scholarship – $4,800
Hauk Boyes of Cary, North Carolina, is a graduate student at North Carolina State University. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, Boyes is continuing his studies in horticulture. He plans to graduate in May 2026. His career goals include working with growers to address current and future problems within the industry utilizing his background in education, production and research to secure positions in research extension, horticulture production or public horticulture.
“I am extremely grateful to receive a scholarship from the American Floral Endowment and will continue to work diligently to carry on the next generation of the horticulture industry,” said Boyes. “This scholarship award allows me to further my studies at a renowned land-grant university and learn directly from role models in horticulture extension and outreach.”
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.
Francisco Garcia, Valley City State University, Business Management/Horticulture
National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association (NGMA) Scholarship – $2,500
John L. Tomasovic, Sr. Scholarship – $2,000
Francisco Garcia of Elgin, Illinois, is a junior at Valley City State University in North Dakota where he is majoring in horticulture. He plans to graduate in May 2026. After graduation, Garcia plans to continue operation of his business, Chicago St. Sunflower Co., where he cultivates market garden produce and retail plants. He also plans to continue working as an educator for the industry.
“Receiving a scholarship and continued support from AFE has allowed me to focus on my studies, professional development, and volunteering in the realm of horticulture and floriculture without having to worry about the financial burden of higher education,” said Garcia. “I am thankful for the opportunities afforded to me by AFE and thankful for all of the donors who make these scholarships possible.”
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.
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.
Amber Hardin, University of Mount Olive, Horticulture
Mike and Flo Novovesky Scholarship – $3,600
Amber Hardin of Clinton, South Carolina, is a junior at the University of Mount Olive in North Carolina. She is majoring in horticulture and minoring in agriculture leadership and communication. Her anticipated graduation date is April 2028. Following her education, Hardin hopes to start a nonprofit or company focusing on Perma culture practices to promote sustainability and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity in the world.
“Receiving this scholarship is an amazing opportunity for me as it significantly eases the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and hands-on industry experience,” said Hardin. “The support from the scholarship will enable me to participate in more research in townships and networking opportunities which are crucial for building a successful career and culture. Ultimately, this would not only help me achieve my academic professional goals but also allows me to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of sustainable and innovative practices in the industry.”
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.
Jamie Paige, University of New Hampshire, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
James K. Rathmell, Jr. Memorial Scholarship for Horticultural Work/Study Abroad – $4,500
Jamie Paige of Woodbury Connecticut is a junior at the University of New Hampshire. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sustainable agriculture and food systems. Following her anticipated graduation in May 2027, Paige plans to own and operate a cut flower farm where she will implement sustainable practices, including integrated pest management. She intends to sell her products to local retailers and inspire other farmers to embrace sustainable practices in their work in the industry. This fall, Paige will continue to pursue her education abroad in Ascoli Piceno, Italy.
“As a student who is independently responsible for funding their further education, the cost of school weighs heavily on my shoulders,” said Paige, “Generous scholarships like these enable me to continue this endeavor and assist in relieving the financial burden college imposes.”
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.
Lauren Eberth, University of Georgia, Horticulture
Ruby N. & Roland A. Whealy Memorial Scholarship – $2,300
Lauren Eberth of Versailles, Kentucky, is a graduate student at the University of Georgia in Athens studying horticulture. She earned her undergraduate degree from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. She plans to graduate with her master’s degree in December 2025. Her future career plans include becoming an ornamental plant breeder focusing on herbaceous annuals and perennials, with orchids and North American native plants being of particular interest.
“I am so very grateful to the American Floral Endowment and its donors for supporting my graduate education and career goals with this scholarship,” said Eberth. “As my career progresses, I look forward to continuously supporting sustainability and resiliency in our ornamental plants!”
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.
Rylee Brown, University of Arkansas, Horticulture, Landscape, and Turf Sciences
Seed Companies Scholarship – $2,900
Rylee Brown of West Plains, Missouri, is a senior at the University of Arkansas where she is working towards her major in horticulture, landscape and turf sciences. She is also minoring in agriculture business. After her anticipated graduation in May 2026, Brown plans to continue her studies by pursuing her graduate degree. Her career goals include work in the turn or horticultural sales industries.
“This scholarship will have an incredible impact on my future, as it will assist me in applying to graduate schools this fall,” said Brown. “I am so thankful for this opportunity!”
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.
Celia Wilson, Michigan State University, Horticulture
Edward Tuinier Memorial Scholarship – $5,800
Celia Wilson of Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a senior at Michigan State University studying horticulture, earth observation and geospatial analytics for her undergraduate degree. She has a special focus interest in ornamentals, specifically herbaceous perennials and annuals. After her anticipated graduation in December 2026, Wilson plans to explore a career in public horticulture.
“Through the help of horticultural organizations like the American Floral Endowment, I am able to nurture my enthusiasm for plants with an education supported by scholarships,” said Wilson. “The more I learn, the more I am able to connect others with nature through public horticulture.”
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.
Isabel Harrison, Palo Alto College, Horticultural Sciences
Vocational (Bettinger, Holden & Perry) Scholarship – $1,800
Isabel Harrison of Cibolo, Texas, is a senior at Palo Alto College in Texas. Harrison is studying horticultural sciences and floral design. She expects to graduate in May 2026. While in college, Harrison has earned her Floral Design Technician occupation skills award. She has a special interest in developing local economies and improving the environment by focusing on floral purchases in state. With a goal to revolutionize the local cut flower market in San Antonio, Harrison seeks to create a cut flower operation to serve local florists, offering both sustainable and quality products.
“This scholarship helps me not only pursue higher education but my dreams as well,” said Harrison. “It truly is inspiring that there’s someone out there that believes in me and my cause.”
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).
AFE awards scholarships annually, and applications are due by May 1 of each year. Scholarship descriptions are available here.
