Arborjet awards 2 students Taking Root scholarships

Arborjet | Ecologel has awarded the 2023 Taking Root Scholarship to Taylor Sirois from Seekonk, Massachusetts, and Natniel Zemede from Oakland, California.

Now in its 10th consecutive year, the program offers up to $10,000 in scholarship to students who plan to pursue full-time studies in forestry, plant sciences, horticulture, landscape architecture, entomology or a related major at an accredited two-or four-year college.

© Arborjet

Sirois plans to double major in arboriculture, landscape management and ecological forest management at Paul Smith’s College located in the Adirondacks.

Sirois says she has had many valuable opportunities within the arboriculture industry, from running machinery and chainsaws to pruning, cabling, and preservation. This past year, she was tasked with giving an individual presentation to the public where she taught the audience how to safely operate a chainsaw with proper personal protective equipment.

“Arborists support each other and work together, helping to make sure that the environmental trades are not discounted as inferior to more traditional academic pursuits.," she says. 

© Arborjet
Natniel Zemede

Zemede will study at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in the fall. Zemede has chosen to pursue a major in plant pathology at UCLA, focusing on the management of invasive insects and diseases. His passion lies in the medical field, but he aspires to go beyond traditional care and explore plant pathology, and the role it plays in the overall well-being of communities. 

“I believe that this field of study can have a profound impact on the health and well-being of communities,” he says. 

“We invite parents, educators, counselors, and members of the tree care community to come together with us in inspiring and supporting dedicated students," says Russ Davis, Arborjet president and CEO. "Our aim is to encourage young minds to channel their ingenuity and passion towards a career that aligns with our company’s core philosophy and mission - saving trees and preserving urban forests. The recipients of this year’s awards have showcased exceptional achievements within their schools, and they’re driven to contribute their skills and talents to further the growth of this vital industry."

Arborjet | Ecologel has consistently supported academic research across the country. Recipients for the Taking Root Scholarship program must be graduating U.S. high school seniors planning to major in forestry or a related major for the entire academic year at an accredited two-or four-year college or university. For further information on this year’s recipients and to find out more about the scholarship, please visit: Taking Root Scholarship Program.