The Atlantic Seed Association is proud to announce the inaugural Atlantic Seed Association
Scholarship winners. The Atlantic Seed Association has established a scholarship program that will run for a minimum of 10 years and we hope to award $4000 annually. We are very excited about this program and the committee worked hard to get this off the ground to make an award for this year.
There was a tremendous outpouring of interest in the scholarship, and the applicant pool’s depth left the selection committee with the difficult task of choosing the winners. In the end, two people emerged as consensus favorites and seem poised to leave their mark on our industry. Our hope is that this award and recognition will assist them in gaining the education required to be the next generation of leaders in the seed/turfgrass field. It is our pleasure to announce that Colson Bates and Patrick Gardiner have been selected as the 2022 ASA Scholarship winners. Each recipient is receiving $2000.
The ASA’s investment in this scholarship, and by extension, the next generation, is akin to planting the seeds for tomorrow’s success. We may not be around to see the fruits of our efforts but we know that character and hard work will always be the hallmarks of successful leaders in our profession. Both Colson and Patrick possess these traits and we are lucky to have the chance to assist them on their journey.
Scholarship Award Summary of recipients:
Colson Bates is currently attending Penn State University, where he is enrolled in their Golf Course Turfgrass Management Program. When asked what drew him to the field,he shared “I see myself as someone who would like to pursue the turfgrass industry in a way that I can improve and revolutionize things. I would like to get involved with more research opportunities in the future to try and help improve current seed cultivars.” His previous work experiences have provided him with first-hand knowledge as he has most recently been employed at the Upper Unionville Golf Club as a Turf Technician. Throughout all of his endeavors, both educational and employment-based, Colson has held himself to the highest standards and takes great pride in community involvement and giving back.
Patrick Gardiner recently earned his diploma from the Maryland Catholic Homeschoolers Association, where his focus on academics resulted in him being offered membership in the National Homeschool Honor Society. He also earned enshrinement in the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society.
A naturally curious student in and out of the classroom, when Patrick wasn’t focused on his school
work, he was devoting time and energy to the study of Forestry. When asked what motivated him to apply for this scholarship, he responded by saying “Quality seeds will grow even under unforgiving conditions. As our nation continues to suffer environmental issues, we as farmers need to overcome the problems of poor soil quality and drought.” He intends to major in forestry so he can have an impact on improving our soil and forest health.