Scholarship and Community Partners
We strive throughout the year to give back to our community, horticulture students, and our local area partners.
Support for December
Baking Baskets and Gift Cards: This December we are partnering with Cy-Fair Helping Hands to create Baking Baskets for families in need. Please bring what you can to our December meeting!
CONGRATULATIONS
to our 2023 Scholarship Recipients
Micheal Carcia
From Spring, TX., and Texas A&M University. He is a first-time recipient of a $1,500 scholarship. He has a 3.65 GPA and holds an impressive record of leadership and public service. Michael found his love for horticulture as a child shadowing his grandfather in his pecan orchards in South Texas. He has three siblings in college and works part-time to contribute to his college costs. His professor stated that he “exemplifies the Aggie Core Values: Loyalty, Integrity, Excellence, Leadership, Selfless Service, and Respect.” Michael is pursuing double degrees in Political Science and Horticulture Science and aspires to be a leader and advocate for the agriculture industry.
Cassandra Marbach
From College Station, TX., and Texas A&M University. Cassie was one of our scholarship winners for the past two years, and we are happy to continue our support for her again with a $1,500 scholarship this year. She has a 3.9 GPA, and is pursuing her PhD. She is described by her professors as enthusiastic, focused, competent and dependable, and “perhaps the most motivated graduate student in the department.” She teaches Floral Design at the university and her graduate research focuses on the economics of wine and consumer attitudes. She and her husband are expecting her first child this June and her goal is to be an educator to promote the local Texas grape and wine industry
Braeden McDonald
From Eastland, TX., and Tarleton State University. He is a first-time recipient of a $1,500 scholarship. He has a 3.18 GPA and is committed to contributing to the cost of his education. Braeden grew up on the family farm, with a lifetime of exposure and deep involvement with plants and wildlife. He exhibits a strong work ethic, professionalism, dependability, and positivity. He spends his summers as a camp counselor and is presently employed part-time. Braedon intends to pursue a career in landscape design with the eventual goal of owning his own nursery or farmer’s market.
Caleb Olmstead
From Waco, TX., and Tarleton State University. He is a first-time recipient of a $1,500 scholarship. He has a 3.82 GPA and is a dedicated student and hard worker. He started a lawncare business to raise money for college and intends to complete his degree without debt. He has always loved plants and particularly enjoys the propagation of plants. Caleb plans to pursue a career in vegetable or flower production in a greenhouse setting.