ANLA Recognizes Lifeline of Green Industry

The research branch of the American Nursery & Landscape Association (ANLA) has awarded several scholarships to the nation’s future horticulturalists, in recognition of their dedication and talent to the industry.

The following students received scholarships from the ANLA’s Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) this year:

Thomas Saunders Jr., a senior at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, received a $2,000 Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship.

The Virginia native is majoring in horticulture with an emphasis in landscape contracting and a minor in small business management. Saunders has worked within the nursery industry for many years at his family business, Saunders Brothers, Inc., in addition to an internship at Carolina Nurseries in Moncocks Corner, SC.

Warner Orozco-Obando, a doctoral student in the horticultural program at Auburn University in Auburn, Ala., received a $2,000 Spring Meadow Nursery Scholarship. Orozco-Obando’s interest in horticulture began at a young age while raising vegetables and flowers with his grandmother in Costa Rica.

In addition to a Bachelor of Science degree in vegetable crops from the University of California at Davis, he also has a Master of Arts degree in environmental law from the International University of Andacia in Seville, Spain, and a Master of Science in Horticulture from the University of Georgia. Orozco-Obando said he hopes to contribute to the industry through his research endeavors as well as by implementing outreach programs for the nursery and landscaping community, including working with the large number of Spanish-speaking employees.

Colin S. McKim, a sophomore at California Polytechnic State University in San Louis Obispo, Cali., received a $1,5000 Usrey Family Scholarship. McKim, of Escondido, Calif., is majoring in Environmental Horticultural Science and has a keen interest in the nursery and landscape industry. After graduation, he hopes to become a manager in a nursery or greenhouse production facility.

Kelly Jarvis, Exeter R.I., received a $2,500 Timothy Bigelow and Palmer W. Bigelow, Jr. Scholarship. Jarvis, a senior at the University of Rhode Island, is studying environmental horticulture and turf grass management. She currently works at Magic Gardens in Exeter and has worked with The Farmer’s Daughter, West Kingston R.I., and Farming Turtles, Inc., Warwick, R.I. After graduation, Jarvis plans on pursuing a career in horticulture and eventually owning and operating a gardening operation.