Master Gardeners dig out rewards

By Ethan Nahté

Aslynn Jackson, a 2023 graduate of Mena High School, receiving the first portion of her Polk County Master Gardener Scholarship. Jackson said, “My Ag teacher Brian Maye told me about it. He had me contact Tamara Fields and she told me how to fill it out.” farm, but she’s had an interest in the field, primarily horticulture, and spent the past four years in the agriculture classes.

Jackson had to write a letter of her own and have two recommendation letters.

Master Gardener Judy Petty said the award is given out annually to, “… a high school senior who will be majoring in either Horticulture or Agriculture starting in the fall semester following their graduation. We have a scholarship committee which consists of Catherine Conner and LaRayne Risenhoover. They advertise the scholarship and the interested party picks up an application at the Polk County extension office.”

Jackson did not grow up on a

“Mike Collins taught me a lot about the agriculture field and he pushed me to most likely become an Ag teacher. If not, then I’m just going to go into the Ag industry. I’m not 100% sure on what I’m going to do yet.”

Collins is a recently retired Mena High School Ag teacher.

Jackson received $500 Thursday evening. She will receive the second half sometime in January 2024 if she meets the criteria. Jackson said the money will more than likely go to pay for her Ag text books for her first year at SAU in Magnolia. She said she was shocked to win. “I didn’t know what to think. I said, ‘Whoa, I got this!’”

In addition to her application,

“The committee goes over the applications and makes sure all of the criteria are met and then they recommend a recipient,” Petty said. “The criteria include their high school transcripts; three character references confirming moral character, integrity and a need for the scholarship funds; a listing of high school activities, offices held, and community church activities; a letter stating reasons for applying for this scholarship and goals for the future. The scholarship is $500 per semester and is renewable for the second semester if a minimum 2.5

Afterwards, Petty asked Risenhoover to remain front and center at the monthly meeting held at the UAEX Education Bldg. Risenhoover was surprised and quite elated to discover they were awarding a 20-year pin to her.

“It is not common for a Master Gardener to make it to 20 years,” Petty said. “They have to stay active and complete their hours of service each year, which is recorded with the University of Arkansas.

“The first year 40 hours of volunteer hours and 20 education hours are required. After that, 20 hours

GPA is maintained the first semester. The committee also was in contact with the school counselors in the area to encourage recipients of this scholarship.”

Jackson accepted her award from of volunteer hours and 20 education hours are required each year. There are approximately 3,000 Master Gardeners in Arkansas and this year only 44 Master Gardeners have received their 20-year pin.”