SEPC sets students up for success with Vorhees Vision Scholarship

The Southeast Produce Council announced this year's Vorhees Vision Scholarship recipients: Avery White, daughter of Johnny and Melanie White of Shuman Farms; Kaylee Nelsen, daughter of Sean Nelsen of Fowler Packing; and Emma Jackson, daughter of Rob Jackson of Red Sun Farms.

The Vorhees Vision Scholarship was created to reward the achievements of young individuals who demonstrate a true entrepreneurial spirit in their lives as they pursue their educational goals. This scholarship is named in honor of the late Terry L. Vorhees, founder and first executive director of the Southeast Produce Council. Because of his vision and efforts, the Southeast Produce Council became and remains one of the best resources in the produce industry today.

All SEPC 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, which means they have been on the SEPC membership roster for at least 12 months and have personally attended at least one SEPC event within the last 12 months.

SEPC’s Vorhees Vision Scholarship first place recipient, White, will receive a one-time scholarship of $10,000 to her enrolling college/university. The second place recipient, Nelsen, will receive a $1,500 scholarship, and the third place recipient, Jackson, will receive a $1,000 scholarship. 

Applicants must be either graduating high school seniors or enrolled as college freshmen, sophomores, juniors or seniors and must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Other selection factors include letters of recommendation from high school and/or college staff, clergy, community leaders, etc., SAT or ACT scores, leadership and community service involvement and the quality of their essay.

This year's essay topic focused on celebrating the unseen heroes in the produce industry.