2022 Scholarship Recipients

Each year, NCNLA awards scholarships to provide financial assistance to qualified students enrolled in degree programs associated with horticulture, landscape design or similar green industry fields of study in North Carolina.

In 2022, the following scholarships were awarded through the NCNLA Scholarship Program, with two exceptional students receiving $2,000 each.

NCNLA Scholarship: This scholarship, awarded to John Collins, provides additional financial assistance to deserving students in North Carolina.

Robert E. Cagle Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship, awarded to Danielle Clade, was established in memory of the founder of Greenthumb Nursery in Ether, NC. Also a long-standing member of NCNLA, Mr. Cagle helped organize an annual golf outing for industry members. The event, now named in his honor, helps to fund the scholarship program.

John is currently an agriculture biological science student majoring in plant science at the University of Mount Olive, having received his Associate of Science degree from Surry Community College. Greenhouse and nursery management, along with crop science, have been his favorite courses so far. “Greenhouse and nursery management provided me with insights into the horticulture industry by giving me access to places I had never been before, such as tissue culture labs and other nursery operations,” says Collins. “Crop science introduced me to broader parts of agriculture, such as sweet potato and tobacco operations, that I wasn’t overly familiar with, since I’m a grain farmer.”

After graduation, John will assist with his family farm and explore other opportunities within the agriculture industry.

Danielle is currently pursuing her horticulture science degree at NC State University, with a minor in production and entrepreneurship, having received her Associate of Science degree from Wake Tech Community College. Her favorite courses to date have been plant propagation and nursery management. “Not only did I learn about different propagation techniques and nursery skills in those classes, but the professors were incredibly hands-on and had a passion for teaching students,” says Clade. “They gave me the skills and confidence I needed to go out and pursue internships and jobs in the field.”

After graduation, Danielle will go on to pursue her Master of Science degree in horticulture at NC State in the fall. She looks forward to utilizing her degree and experience to pursue a research-based career.

To learn more about the NCNLA Scholarship Program, visit www.ncnla.com/scholarships.

For more information on how individuals and organizations can support the NCNLA Scholarship Program, contact Katie Rodrigues, director of events and education, at education@ncnla.com or 919-816-9119, ext. 1000.