ANDREW JAMES SMITH AWARDED DR. HENRY W. INDYK SCHOLARSHIP Andrew James Smith has been awarded the four-year Dr. Henry W. Indyk Scholarship, which is administered by The Lawn Institute (TLI). Andrew is the son of Paul and Tabitha Smith of Beulaville, North Carolina. Paul Smith is co-owner of Sandy Plain Sod, LLC, located in Pink Hill, NC. Andrew is currently finishing his freshman year at North Carolina State University, majoring in Agricultural Business Management with the goal of earning a four-year degree, returning to his community, and joining his Dad’s sod business. In his essay on how the turfgrass industry shaped his personal character, Andrew wrote, “From the time I was seven years old, I have worked alongside my dad on his sod farm after school, on weekends, and during summer vacations. I rode with him everywhere on every piece of equipment, listening to him communicate with his employees and customers, and watching him operate tractors, harvesters, sprayers, and large trucks. As I matured and became more responsible, my dad allowed me to operate various farm equipment.” And, he wrote, “Once I got my driver’s license, my dad gave me additional tasks and responsibilities, such as handling sod orders, operating heavy equipment, and communicating and working with company employees and customers.” And, he added, “Serving customers who purchase sod from our family farm, making things right if someone is displeased, has afforded me the opportunity to see things from others’ perspectives.” Andrew’s essay reported that working with the farm’s Work Visa employees, “… has taught me the value of learning from others about their customs, traditions, beliefs, values, and work-related methods and techniques, many of which we have incorporated on our farm.” Along with the numerous honors classes Andrew successfully completed throughout high school, in his senior year, he took two semesters of Spanish. When asked if the Spanish classes were related to their Visa workers, he responded, “Yes, but 46
I’ve been around them since I started helping my Dad, and there’s a big difference between the lingo they use and what was taught in Spanish class. So, I guess I got the real-world experience first and the classroom Spanish second.” Andrew wrote, “For many years, my dad has contributed to the maintenance of the local recreational fields, as well as the athletic fields at the local elementary/middle and high school. I have been right there to help him reseed, resod, spray, and fertilize those fields. When I played baseball on those fields or attended athletic events, I looked at the field and knew I had a part in making them look good.” That spirit of giving back to the community is reflected in Andrew’s decision to become a junior firefighter with the Town of Beulaville Fire Department. In her letter of recommendation, Karen S. Jackson, his Honors English III teacher at Duplin County Schools, wrote, “Authenticity. When I think of Andrew Smith, this is what first springs to mind.” And she wrote, “Punctual and focused in class, Andrew completes work with fidelity and accuracy.” She also wrote, “Andrew’s work ethic extends beyond the classroom to the community where he was of particular assistance during the aftermath of Hurricanes Florence and Dorian, both of which caused flooding to the community at large. Andrew does these things not out of resume building but rather out of sincere concern for his community at large, illustrating maturity and character beyond many of his peers.” Defining his career goals, Andrew wrote, “Aspirations to improve the quality of our product, to diversify and expand within our company, and to further support Duplin County’s agricultural industry, drive my desire to gain and develop knowledge of innovative practices in the field of agriculture, as well as the necessary business and economic skill sets to contribute to the future success of the family business. These expansion opportunities will allow for additional employment of community members, as well as increased support of locally owned businesses through the purchase of fertilizers, chemicals, fuel, and equipment.” Andrew’s parents also are co-owners of the Beulaville Laundromat and Sunset Carwash. Andrew will be applying the money he has saved while working in the family-owned businesses to his college expenses. p He appreciates the financial support the scholarship provides which will help him achieve his goals and d he thanks TLI and all the donors who contribute to the scholarship program. TPI Turf News May/June 2022
