Sidney B. Meadows Fund Awards $24,000 in Scholarships

Chris Beytes

The Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Fund, created in 1989 by the Southern Nursery Association (SNA), has announced the names of 12 students from 10 southeastern universities chosen to receive academic scholarships this year. Eight of the awards are named scholarships honoring past industry leaders or loved ones. This year’s awards were $2,000 each, totaling $24,000.

Here are this year’s scholarship recipients:

■ Phiala Drake (Texas Tech University)

■ Landon Erbrick (Auburn University)—Sally Smith Scholarship

■ Kathryn Glenn (Clemson University)—Arthur A. “Buck” Jones Scholarship

■ Elliott Kenney (University of Maryland)—College Park

■ Cassie Marbach (Texas A&M University)—Dr. James & Faye Foret Scholarship

■ Grace Ramsey (Stephen F. Austin State University)—Lee C. Howell Scholarship

■ Charlotte Simmons (Tennessee Tech University)—Dr. Bryson L. James Scholarship

■ Meg Smolinski (University of Maryland)—Art & Millie Lancaster Scholarship

■ April Sprague (Oregon State University)—Richard J. Hackney Scholarship

■ Jonah Trevino (Texas Tech University)

■ Evan Villani (North Carolina State University)

■ Tyler Williamson (University of Georgia)—Richard 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 very competitive group of applicants. Of the 12 students, seven are graduate students and five are undergrads.

With this year’s awards, the fund has awarded a total of $650,000 since the fund was established in 1989. The fund’s current assets are now more than $1,000,000.

The next round of scholarships will be available in early 2025. More details on scholarship eligibility can be found at sbmsef.org. GT