SNA releases names of Sidney B. Meadows scholarship winners

ACWORTH, Georgia – The Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Fund, created in 1989 by the Southern Nursery Association, has announced the names of 12 students from nine southeastern universities chosen to receive academic scholarships this year.

Five of the awards are named scholarships honoring past industry leaders, including the new award named to honor Dr. Bryson L. James for the 40+ years of service to the Southern Nursery Association as director of horticultural research. Each award of $1,500, totaling $18,000, has been presented to the following excelling scholars:

• Katelin Borden, University of Florida
• Sean Patrick Caton, University of Georgia - Robert L. Vanlandingham Scholarship
• Garrett Shane Ford, University of Georgia - Arthur A. "Buck" Jones Scholarship
• Zachary William Jones, University of Maryland - Art & Millie Lancaster Scholarship
• Claire Elizabeth Krofft, Auburn University - Lee C. Howell Scholarship
• Joanna Lambert, Louisiana State University - Dr. James & Faye Foret Scholarship
• Nathan Allen Maren, North Carolina State University
• Juan Fernando Moscoso, University of Arkansas
• Darle Bailey Riordan, University of Kentucky
• Angela Rowe, University of Georgia
• Angelia Dynette Ryker, University of Tennessee, Dr. Bryson L. James Scholarship
• Zia V. Williamson, University of Georgia
  

Scholarship recipients are determined through a competitive application process, administered by a selection committee, based on academics, determination, demonstrated interest in the horticulture industry and financial need. Of the twelve students selected, three are graduate students and nine are under graduate. This year’s number of applications was at an all-time high and one of the most competitive to date.

“Congratulations to this exemplary group of students who have excelled academically and demonstrated determination and a passion for horticulture,” said Danny Summers, executive vice president of the fund. “We continue to hear from recipients how important these awards are in reducing their financial stress allowing them the ability to concentrate more on their studies. I am confident each of these students will make an effective and positive contribution to our industry in the future. I look forward to seeing their accomplishments as they complete their studies."

Created in 1989 by the Southern Nursery Association, the Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund is a 501 (c) 3 corporation providing scholarships to students who are residents of the sixteen southeastern states SNA represents – Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia – pursuing a career in horticulture.

An application for 2020 scholarships will be available online by January 1, 2020. Those interested in receiving scholarship information or the latest fund news can subscribe to the automated information system on the fund’s website.