Mountaire presents farm-to-table scholarships
Mountaire Farms recently handed out $30,000 in farm-to-table scholarships to help support graduating seniors pursuing careers in agriculture, culinary arts or related fields that support food production and feeding the world.
This was the first year of the Mountaire Farms WBOC Farm to Table Scholarship program, which selects a deserving high school senior each month from September through June and shares their story on WBOC segments throughout the month. Winning students earn a $2,000 scholarship from Mountaire.
During the year-end banquet at the Delaware Agricultural Museum in Dover, students and their families were brought together to celebrate their achievements and hear inspiring words from Delaware-based Chef Hari Cameron. He congratulated the students on their achievements and recounted his journey to success, emphasizing that anything is possible with hard work and determination.
“It’s so important to recognize the key role that agriculture and culinary arts play in our society today,” said Phillip Plylar, Mountaire Farms president. “During COVID, it was those two industries that helped keep everyone fed. Shining a light on the important work of the people who grow, raise, prepare and serve the food we eat each day has been an honor.”
Area scholarship winners include: Tabitha Lenhart of Milford High School, who will attend Delaware State University and study animal and poultry science, planning to pursue a career in animal genetics and breeding; Hunter Holladay of Indian River High School, who will attend Delaware Tech and study livestock veterinary science; Aidan Bell of Laurel High School, who will attend the University of Delaware to study agriculture and natural resources; Kai Bernard of Caeser Rodney High School, who will attend Walnut Hill College and plans be a pastry chef and bakery owner; Kiana Young of Polytech High School, who will attend the Culinary Institute of America to study baking and pastry, and plans to become a pastry chef; and Samantha Teoli of Indian River High School, who will attend Walnut Hill College and plans to become a head chef and restaurant owner.
Two overall winners, Aidan Bell and Samantha Teoli, were selected for their outstanding accomplishments and leadership to receive an additional $5,000 scholarship each.
Delaware Deputy Ag Secretary George Class-Peters Jr. reminded honorees that not all heroes wear capes, underlining the potential each student holds for the future.
