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SEPC announces Member Scholarship recipients

The Southeast Produce Council announced this year’s SEPC Member Scholarship recipients. The council awarded 41 scholarships ($61,500) in 2025 thanks to the dedication of its members.

Scholarships are awarded to applicants who meet the application criteria of having a parent or grandparent who is a corporate member in good standing with the SEPC and has personally attended at least one SEPC event within the last 12 months. Additionally, applicants must be enrolled as a full-time student with a minimum of 12 semester hours. Applicants are then able to submit the necessary paperwork, including an essay, to be reviewed by members of the SEPC Scholarship Committee.

2025 Essay Topic:
The Southeast Produce Council's theme this year is Family Meals Matter, encompassing the importance of family and the consumption of healthy produce. Applicants had to describe why family meals are important through the cultivation of values, relationships and memories, as well as the economics involved in supporting the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

SEPC Member Scholarship recipients receive one $1,500 scholarship annually. Past recipients are eligible; however, they must have maintained a 3.0 GPA, and first preference is given to new applicants.

The 41 recipients of the 2025 SEPC Member Scholarship (recipient, member and associated company):

  • Carter McCormick, Melissa McCormick of Alderman Farms Sales Corp.
  • Sebastian Cimino, Jaime Cimino of Always Fresh Farms
  • Amelia Lott, Sloan Lott of Bland Farms
  • Isabella Lott, Sloan Lott of Bland Farms
  • Haley Pilcher, Alison Anthony of Coastline Family Farms
  • Madison Pilcher, Alison Anthony of Coastline Family Farms
  • Riley St George, Kimberly St George of Dole
  • Mitchell Kiley, Jon Kiley of Envy Apples-T&G Global
  • Luka Rose, Brian Rose of Flavor 1st Growers and Packers
  • Mackenzie Todd, Kenneth Todd of Fresh Del Monte
  • Alexis Olsen, Melissa Olsen of Freshway Foods
  • Joaquin Fiszman, Luciano Fiszman of Gourmet Trading Co.
  • Logan Wilkins, Scott Wilkins of Green Circles Farm
  • Mia Muniz, Amanda Keefer of Healthy Family Project
  • Sadie Shaw, Tracy Shaw of Healthy Family Project
  • Steven Shaw, Tracy Shaw of Healthy Family Project
  • Jack Kennedy, Devon Kennedy of Highline Mushrooms
  • Olivia Coufal, Tom Coufal of J&C Tropicals
  • Lillian Davis, Dan Davis of L&M Cos.
  • Johnathon Rocendo, Mayra Arvizu of Mack Farms
  • Alina Beckstead, Chris Beckstead of MDI
  • Kelli Houck, Kelli Lawrence of Monterey Mushrooms
  • Isabella Chapman, Robert Chapman of Nickey Gregory Co.
  • Cydney Hutterer, Jeff Hutterer of Ocean Mist Farms
  • Kameryn Hawes, Brian Hawes of Ocean Mist Farms
  • Tanner Rayfield, Brian Rayfield of Pennrose Farms LLC
  • Hailey Karban, Tracy Karban of Red Jacket Orchards
  • Emma Jane Jackson, Rob Jackson of Red Sun Farms
  • Karissa Griffin, Michele Becker of Scalici Produce
  • Kasey Tipton, Mike Tipton of Schnuck Markets
  • Avery White, Johnny White of Shuman Farms
  • Gavin White, Johnny White of Shuman Farms
  • Matheson Parker, Brandon Parker of Shuman Farms
  • Mason Shuman, Mark Shuman of Shuman Farms
  • Anthony Giaquinto, Faye Westfall of Southeast Produce Council
  • Hudson Sherrod, David Sherrod of Southeast Produce Council
  • Kayelyn Austin, Garry Bergstrom of Southeast Produce Council
  • Carter Schwalls, Jon Schwalls of Southern Valley Fruit & Vegetable
  • Wesley Fox, Donald Fox of Walmart
  • Lennon Fausset, David Fausset of Westfalia
  • Aly Rooke, Dave Rooke of Wonderful Citrus
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