Jun 14, 2024
2024 Paul Thomas Floriculture Production Intern of the Year

Three students pursuing careers in horticulture and plant science have been acknowledged for their participation in work experiences facilitated by the Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program, administered by the American Floral Endowment (AFE).

Megan Grace Ann Nelson of Junction City, Kansas, currently a senior studying horticulture and natural resources and environmental science at Kansas State University, has been named the 2024 Paul Thomas Floriculture Production Intern of the Year. Each year, students who have successfully completed the three-to-six-month Vic & Margaret Ball internship are eligible for the award.

2024 Paul Thomas Floriculture Production Intern of the Year

Megan Grace Ann Nelson, Paul Thomas Floriculture Production Intern of the Year — Megan Grace Ann Nelson

As the winner, Nelson will receive travel funds and registration from the Vic & Margaret Ball Fund to attend Cultivate’24, AmericanHort’s annual convention for the green industry. This year’s event will be held in July in Columbus, Ohio. Nelson will also receive free registration to the convention provided by AmericanHort as well as $500 spending cash awarded by AFE’s Young Professionals Council, a photo opportunity with AFE representatives and faculty members and articles in AFE publications and trade press.

Two other students have been named Paul Thomas Floriculture Intern of the Year honorable mentions. Those students are Audrey Arntz of Santa Rosa, California, who is studying plant science at California Polytechnic State University, and Maggie Whittington of Kingston, Tennessee, a December 2023 graduate of the University of Tennessee. Arntz and Whittington will each be awarded $250 for their recognition.

“It is so important to us that we highlight individuals who excel in their internships and embody the spirit of who Paul Thomas was. We are so pleased to announce that in addition to the winner, Megan, this year we are honoring Audrey and Maggie, whose performance during their respective internships deserves recognition as well,” said Debi Chedester, executive director of AFE.