Sidney B. Meadows Scholarhsip Fund announces recipients

The Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Fund has announced the names of twelve students from eight southeastern universities chosen to receive academic scholarships this year. The $1,500 awards, totaling $18,000, were presented to:

Jared Barnes – North Carolina State University
Johanna Cricenti – Virginia Tech
Cody Gilstrap – University of Arkansas - Fayetteville (Dr. James & Faye Foret Scholarship)
Jason Lattier – North Carolina State University
Eric Limbird – Middle Tennessee State University
William Mears – University of Arkansas – Fayetteville
Justin Menke – University of Kentucky
Irene Palmer – North Carolina State University
Deanna Reid  – Ferrum College
Elizabeth Riley – North Carolina State University
Jacob Shreckhise – Virginia Tech (Art & Millie Lancaster Scholarship)
Adrienne Smith – University of Florida (Robert L. VanLandingham Scholarship).

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 a pool of nearly 30 well-qualified applicants.

To date, a total of $419,500 has been awarded since the fund was established. The fund’s current assets are now more than $750,000. Seven named funds have been pledged. 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 in 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.

Applications for 2013 scholarships will be available on the fund’s website 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 at www.sbmsef.org. In the coming months the site will feature a review of previous scholarship winners, their current status and contributions to the horticulture industry.