$18,000 awarded in scholarships at SNA’s new SEGreen

ACWORTH, GA. – The Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Fund has announced the names of twelve students from six southeastern universities chosen to receive academic scholarships this year. The presentations took place on Wednesday, August 31, during the 2016 SEGreen event in Athens, Ga. The $1,500 awards, totaling $18,000, were presented to the following:

• Kaitlin Michelle Barrios - University of Georgia
• Jordan McKenzie Baylor - Clemson University
• Allison Lindsay Bechtloff - University of Florida
• Travis Jolliffe Black - North Carolina State University
• David Denton - North Carolina State University
• Lauren M. Garcia Chance - Clemson University
• Daniel Greenwell - Auburn University - Lee C. Howell Scholarship
• Bethany Harris - University of Georgia - Arthur A."Buck" Jones Scholarship
• Mary Elizabeth Lewis - University of Georgia - Robert L. VanLandingham Scholarship
• Maria C. Murillo - University of Missouri - Dr. James & Faye Foret Scholarship
• Kristin Elizabeth Neill - North Carolina State University - Art & Millie Lancaster Scholarship
• Gray S. Simpson - 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. This year’s recipients were chosen from the largest number of applications ever received.

“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 received the largest number of applications ever so the competition was extreme. These scholarship awards will help lighten their financial load as they pursue their careers and I am confident each of these students will make an effective and positive contribution to our industry. I look forward to seeing their accomplishments as they complete their studies.”

To date, a total of $492,000 has been awarded since the fund was established in 1989. The fund’s current assets are now more than $825,000. Eight named funds have been pledged: the Carolina Nurseries Fund, The Larry D. Edwards Fund, the Dr. James & Faye Foret Fund, the Richard J. “Dick” Hackney Fund, Sr. Fund, the Lee C. Howell Fund, the Arthur A. “Buck” Jones Fund, the Art & Millie Lancaster Fund, and the Robert L. VanLandingham Fund. The financial support offered by the fund has allowed many students the opportunity to begin or continue to work toward their educational goals.

Created in 1989 by the Southern Nursery Association (SNA), 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 – 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. The scholarship is dedicated to one of the most honored horticultural leaders, the late Sidney B. Meadows, who was an avid supporter of student scholarships and believed that providing aid for students was an important way to ensure the growth and development of all facets of the industry. The fund derives its income from individual and corporate contributions and is governed by the Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund board of directors.

 Applications for 2017 scholarships will be available in early January. Those interested in receiving scholarship information or the latest fund news can subscribe to the automated information system on the fund’s website.

 More information on the 2016 scholarship recipients can be found at www.sbmsef.org. For more information on the Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund, forward your inquiry to PO Box 801513, Acworth, Ga. 30101, 678.813.1880, info@sbmsef.org or visit www.sbmsef.org.