The Jim Claxton Scholarship Fund

Administered by The Maryland Turfgrass Association

Call for Applicants

The Jim Claxton Scholarship Fund was initiated during the Spring of 2011 in order to honor Jim and his contributions to the Mid-Atlantic area turfgrass industry and financially support students pursuing a college degree.

Jim worked as a salesman for Newsom Seed from the early 1990’s until soon before his passing on March 20, 2013. He made great contributions to turfgrass related businesses during this period, especially businesses involved in turf production.

The Jim Claxton Scholarship Fund allows for a single, annual $500.00 reward to be issued to a winning applicant prior to the fall college semester.

Last year’s winner was Sara Lechlider!

Written requests for applications for The Jim Claxton Scholarship Fund, as well as completed applications, with all essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc. should be postmarked and mailed no later than May 31, 2020.

Applications can be mailed to:

The Maryland Turfgrass Association

303 S. Talbot St #389

St. Michaels, MD 21663

Attention: The Jim Claxton Scholarship Fund

And/or: email address of MTA Executive Director at: Vernon@AllStatesTurf.Com and email address of MTA Scholarship Chairman at: Harry.Kenney@cpsagu.com

In addition to a possible interview with one or more Maryland Turfgrass Association Board Members, the following criteria will be considered by the MTA board while deciding who will be awarded this scholarship:

• The applicant should be a current high school senior or be enrolled in a full time two-year Associate Degree or four-year Bachelor Degree college or university program. Proof of college or university enrollment in an Associate Degree or Bachelor Degree program may be requested by the MTA board.

• The applicant should reside in the Mid-Atlantic area or be enrolled in a college or university located in the Mid-Atlantic area.

• The applicant should have earned a high school or current college level GPA of at least 2.5. A transcript should be submitted along with the application.

• Preference may be given to students enrolled in a turfgrass related field.

• Preference may be given to students with experience in turf production and/or turf maintenance.

• We ask that you provide an essay of one page or less, using 12 point Times New Roman or equivalent with a one-inch margin. The essay can include how you intend to utilize your Associate or Bachelor degree.

• A current high school and/or college level transcript and up to three letters of recommendation can be submitted with the completed application.