Delmarva Chicken Association has granted scholarships totaling $23,500 to 12 students pursuing college and graduate studies connected to careers in Delmarva’s chicken industry through the DCA College Scholarship Program. Ten of the recipients are enrolled in undergraduate programs and received $2,000 scholarships, and an eleventh undergraduate student received a ‘pick of the flock’ $500 scholarship. A graduate student was also awarded a $3,000 scholarship.
“By supporting these students, DCA is nurturing in the next generation of leaders in our chicken community,” Holly Porter, DCA’s executive director, said. “These young people are determined to put their learning and skills to good use in the chicken community. They’ll join an essential, motivated workforce that puts tasty, nutritious chicken on the plates of Americans and the world.”
The students receiving $2,000 scholarships are:
- Brielle Carter, of Harrington, Del., a junior at the University of Delaware working toward a degree in agriculture and natural resources with a minor in soil science. Carter has been involved with UD’s Ag College Council, collegiate 4-H, and the Delaware State Fair’s Junior Fair Board. She hopes to launch a career as a farm conservation planner.
- Macy Cook, from Cordova, Md., a University of Mount Olive student studying agribusiness. Cook has worked at an asparagus farm, helped her family’s grain and chicken operations, and taught piano lessons, all while staying involved in FFA at the collegiate level and volunteering in multiple roles at her church. She’s also a member of the university’s animal science and young farmers and ranchers clubs.
- Mason Jewell, of Hartly, Del., who is set to attend the University of Kentucky to pursue a degree in agricultural economics. At Smyrna High School, Jewell played varsity baseball and golf, volunteered for libraries and nonprofits, and was involved in FFA. The child of chicken growers, Jewell intends to work in the chicken community after leaving college.
- Avery Kerrick, from Greenwood, Del., a student at the University of Kentucky pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and advocacy. In high school, Kerrick was involved in National Honor Society, FFA, student government (as senior class president), and varsity field hockey. She made the dean’s list as a freshman in college.
- Luke Michaud of Smyrna, Del., a student at the University of Kentucky working toward an agricultural economics degree. Michaud has interned at the Delaware Department of Agriculture and worked for an agronomics company in soil sampling and fertilizer application. He hopes to be an economist for an agricultural firm.
- Colleen Nicholson, from Townsend, Del., a Smyrna High School student who will attend Louisiana State University for her undergraduate degree, pursuing pre-veterinary animal medicine and a minor in poultry science. Nicholson has been involved in FFA in leadership roles, student government, and National Honor Society.
- Cailyn Pan, of Hockessin, Del., a student at the Charter School of Wilmington who will attend the University of Pennsylvania this fall to pursue a degree in business, energy, the environment and sustainability. Pan hopes to become a crop advisor in her career, helping businesses balance economic growth and sustainable resource management.
- Mackenzie Spies, from Easton, Md., who will attend the University of Maryland. Spies plans to major in agricultural economics and agribusiness. At Easton High School, she’s been involved in 4-H, FFA, the National Honor Society and Business Club. She also runs an online small business that sells customized garments and glassware.
- McKenna Vest, of Clayton, Del., a Texas A&M student working toward a degree in agricultural economics. Vest has her career sights set on an agricultural marketing specialist job at a chicken processing company. She’s been involved in FFA, student government and NJROTC.
- Karley White, from Middletown, Del., who is a student at the University of Delaware pursuing a degree in pre-veterinary medicine. White intends to seek a doctoral degree in veterinary medicine after college. She’s active in UD’s Animal Science Club and was an active member of FFA in high school.
Another student received a special ‘pick of the flock’ $500 scholarship, drawn randomly from strong candidates: Ean Ali Nasir of Pocomoke City, Md., who attends the Salisbury School and hopes to study mechanical engineering at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore with an eye toward developing robotics for the chicken industry.
DCA’s scholarship committee also awarded one $3,000 Emerson Morgan Graduate Scholarship prize to Unishma Ghimire of Princess Anne, Md., a grad student at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore pursuing a master’s degree and researching heat mitigation strategies to improve poultry welfare.
Since 1985, DCA has awarded $270,500 to students pursuing chicken careers through its College Scholarship Program. The scholarships are funded by DCA’s College Scholarship Golf Tournament, taking place this year on Sept. 29 at GlenRiddle Golf Club in Berlin, Md.
