Scholarship Achievements

Gina Albaugh, MNLA Executive Director

We are thrilled to announce that three deserving individuals have recently been selected as recipients of the MNLA Scholarship Award! Let us introduce you:

True Gannon

“Hi, my name is True Gannon. I was born and raised in Bigfork, Montana. I grew up at my family’s greenhouse nursery business, Swan River Gardens, and have been passionate about plants since the very beginning. I am currently a junior at MSU in the school of agriculture, studying environmental horticulture with the concentration of landscape design. After graduating I want to gain intern experience working at landscape firms in and outside of the state. Eventually, I plan on returning to Bigfork and learning my family’s business while continuing landscape design in the Flathead Valley.”

Cole Thormahlen

Cole’s scholarship application came from Billings-area member, Tvetene Turf. When learning of his award, Cole shared this with us: “My name is Cole Thormahlen, I am the son of Dennis Thormahlen Jr and Lori LeBrun. I grew up on small ranch/ farm in Belfry Montana. In high school I was active in FFA and 4-H. I showed mostly steers and cows, but I have also shown sheep. I enjoy riding horses and motorcycles in my free time. I also enjoy building old Ford pickups with my dad.

I plan on attending Rocky Mountain College and completing an Aviation Science Degree. I want to eventually fly for either Fed-Ex or UPS flying cargo. I decided that I would like to be a pilot as I was starting my senior year. My mom took me to meet with a friend who is a pilot of Fed-Ex and we made a plan to get started. We took a tour at Rocky Mountain College and I was able to fly a plane for the first time and I knew I wanted to pursue this path.

I want to thank you for helping me fund my education. It is greatly appreciated.”

Levi Wagner

Levi is a son of Three Forks-based Wagner Nursery and Landscape. “I am a Montana native, growing up in Three Forks amongst close- knit family and friends. I love Montana for all it has to offer including all the great scenery, opportunities, and the people. I enjoy hunting, fishing, and hanging out with friends. I have decided to attend the University of Providence in the fall, to stay close to my roots. I am excited to pursue a degree in business, to further my knowledge in business. I plan to take over my family’s landscaping company in the future.

I am very eager to continue my family’s legacy. Additionally, at the

University of Providence I will be continuing my wrestling career and hope to become an All-American wrestler. I want to thank the Montana Nursery and Landscape Association for supporting my dreams and making them more possible.”

We wish all these well-deserving students success in their future endeavors! Do you know a student that could benefit from our scholarship program? As a member benefit, the scholarship is open to members and their immediate families, as well as to employees of members. Applicants must be enrolled in a higher education facility for the semester following their application. This program is funded throughout the year by fundraising auctions, donations, and event fundraisers; scholarships are awarded based on available funding. We were able to award $8,000 in scholarships in 2022, and have awarded $5,500 so far this year. Thank you to everyone who has supported this program throughout the years! To learn more, visit our website: www.plantingmontana.com/ scholarships. If you would like to donate to the scholarship program, contact our office at info@plantingmontana.com.

Biringer Nursery

Melissa Biringer — Vernon, WA

Montana State University

Braden Denler — Bozeman, MT

Highridge Landscape

Rick Gunter — Bozeman, MT

Canyon Creek Nursery

Ann McKean — Billings, MT

Montana State University

Jessica McMurtry — Bozeman, MT

Yellowstone Environmental Contracting

Curtis McWilliams — Miles City, MT