The American Floral Endowment (AFE) recently awarded 15 students with scholarships totaling $38,500. Fifty-nine applications were received for this 2020 scholarship cycle. “We had many overachieving students apply for scholarships this year, which is why some scholarships were awarded to more than one recipient,” says Greg Royer, Chairman of AFE’s Education Committee. “I’m proud to see the high quality of students each year, and I enjoy being a part of granting scholarships to these well-deserved students encouraging them to continue their education and become passionate industry leaders.”

AFE awards scholarships annually and applications are due by May 1 of each year. Scholarship descriptions are available at endowment.org/scholarships . American Florists’ Exchange Scholarship and James Bridenbaugh Memorial Scholarship Recipient: Jordyn Silva, Modesto Junior College

Entering her freshman year at Modesto Junior College, Silva is majoring in agriculture business with a minor in environmental horticulture. She was active in FFA throughout high school and served as vice president in her senior year.

“My main crop focus is different types of flowers, foliage, and greenery,” Silva says. “My career goal is to have my own floral business and have a farm to grow all the flowers that would be used in my designs.” Julio and Sarah Armellini Scholarship Recipient: Meghan Bundick, West Virginia University

Seeking a degree in Horticulture with a minor in agribusiness, Bundick is a sophomore at West Virginia University. She interned at Foxborough Nursery, Inc. in Street, MD, and volunteered at West Virginia University Greenhouse last year. Before COVID-19, Bundick had planned to work at the university, planting and growing basil for the university dining service and growing different herbs on the school green roofs to be used in their design program to dye cloths.

“Ever since I was little, helping my mom in the garden, I knew I would work with plants for a living. I was involved in a plant science magnet program in high school where I discovered my passion for plants,” Bundick says. “Through my college coursework, I have discovered my passion for production. I love the idea of being able to provide beautiful flowers and fresh produce to the community.” Ball Horticultural Company Scholarship and Earl Dedman Memorial Scholarship Recipient: Renata Goossen, Kansas State University

Presently seeking her degree in Horticulture Production at Kansas State University, Goossen is interested in commercial ornamental floriculture and horticultural marketing.

“Through my career, I desire to expand people’s minds, revealing how horticulture is a global industry that impacts their everyday lives. I want to be a part of discovering new ways to strengthen and improve our industry,” Goossen says. An active member of 4- H, in 2012 Goossen created Renata’s Garden, a micro-greenhouse business recognizing the need for high quality and unique varieties of plants for local gardeners. She served as an intern grower at Loma Vista Nursery and Green Circle Growers. She also worked remotely for the marketing department for Green Circle Growers. While there, Goossen spoke with customers about plant care concerns.

“Through this experience, I am learning how to connect […]