08/19/2026
Big congratulations to our partners at the Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund and this year’s 12 scholarship recipients! 🎉
SBMSEF just awarded $30,000 ($2,500 each) to outstanding horticulture students from seven universities across the Southeast. These scholars were selected for their academics, determination, passion for the industry, and financial need. With this year’s awards, the Fund has now given more than $700,000 in support since 1989. Incredible!
This is the fourth year HRI and SBMSEF have teamed up on a shared application, making it easier for students to apply to both programs at once. Their awards are the first of this cycle. Next month, we’ll announce HRI’s 2026 scholarship recipients with more than $60,000 in support for students building careers across the green industry.
Please join us in celebrating:
🌼 Afrifa Amoah-Mensah, University of Florida — Richard J. Hackney Scholarship
🌼 Carly Anderson, University of Florida — Dr. Bryson L. James Scholarship
🌼 Rylee Brown, University of Arkansas
🌼 George Buss, North Carolina State University — Robert L. VanLandingham Scholarship
🌼 Michael Cook, Texas A&M University — Dr. James & Fay Foret, Sr. Scholarship
🌼 Tori Guarino, University of Florida
🌼 Homa Hajarian, Virginia Tech — Art & Millie Lancaster Scholarship
🌼 Tanner Hamerling, University of Georgia — Arthur A. “Buck” Jones Scholarship
🌼 Ashley Jackson, University of Florida — Lee C. Howell Scholarship
🌼 Kimberly Mayer, Texas Tech — Sally Smith Scholarship
🌼 Christina Mercado, University of Florida
🌼 Edilzon Ramirez, University of Florida
Here’s to the next generation of horticulture leaders! Proud to partner with SBMSEF in supporting them.
