A Passion for Plants Yields Success for Southington High Grad

Kelsey was first selected as the recipient of the Rogers Scholarship in 2009 as a high school senior at the Carl M. Small Regional Agriculture Center, part of Southington High School.  As a previous recipient of the scholarship, she is eligible to re-apply (for a maximum of four years) as she progresses through college. Re-applicants compete each year against the new batch of high school seniors.

Kelsey received the scholarship for both her freshman and sophomore years, and was recently selected to receive it again for her junior year.  She attends Unity College in Unity, Maine where she is pursuing dual majors in Agriculture, Food and Sustainability, and in Environmental Writing.

“Although we do not sit on the selection committee, my family and I were very pleased that Kelsey was selected again this year.  Despite her challenging course load, she continues to excel maintaining an excellent GPA and still finds time to volunteer with Unity’s FFA chapter.  Kelsey's hard work, determination and level of scholarship embody the spirit of the award,” explains Peter Rogers.

Kelsey shares her thoughts saying, “I first became interested in agriculture in high school. In the regional agriculture program at Southington High School, part of the curriculum included a mandatory plant science class for freshmen students. I was initially interested in working with wildlife someday, but I discovered a passion for plants in the hands-on work during that class. Later, I got a job on a local organic farm and realized how much I enjoy producing food.”

“The majority of my education is paid for by scholarships and grants, so every little bit counts.  The Rogers Scholarship has helped make it possible for me to attend college, as otherwise I might not have had the funds to do so,” explains Kelsey.  “Eventually, I would like to own my own organic farm. I'd especially like to get into organic vegetable production much like what I am currently doing at my apprenticeship. I may do something related to food issues like working for a farmland trust or working to provide local produce to food-insecure families like the 'Veggies For All' program in Unity, Maine, which I have worked with through my college courses.”

Kelsey modestly adds, “Receiving this scholarship for a third time, to me, means I'm incredibly lucky, and that my hard work has paid off.”  Clearly it’s the hard work part that has helped her earn the Rogers Scholarship for the past three years.  Congratulations Kelsey!

About the Frank E. Rogers Scholarship for Agricultural Studies

The scholarship was established by the Rogers Family, owners and operators of Rogers Orchards in Southington, to encourage the pursuit of agricultural studies as a full-time student at an accredited college or university. It is awarded to graduates and previous graduates of the Carl M. Small Regional Agriculture Center who will pursue either an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree leading to a career in agriculture, horticulture, environmental horticulture, turf grass, forestry, or other agriculture science dealing with the production and management of trees and/or plants. Preference is given to those pursuing careers in Pomology (the science of tree fruits) or other food production plants. The Rogers Scholarship is one of 39 scholarships managed by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain.