AVONDALE, PA — Ten college-bound high school seniors from three Chester County-area high school districts were awarded scholarships from the Mushroom Farmers of Pennsylvania’s (MFPA) Community Awareness Committee (CAC). The scholarships ranged from $2,500 to $5,000.
CAC was created in 1986 to help provide funds for education, training, and outreach to the Kennett Square, PA, community, which is home to the largest concentration of mushroom farms in the country. The Committee raises proceeds each year through a golf tournament and other donations. Since its inception, CAC has raised more than $900,000 in scholarships for students seeking higher education in agricultural fields and other industries.
Students considered for a scholarship are required to have a 2.5 minimum GPA and are required to submit a 1,000-word essay on sustainability and environmental stewardship, Pennsylvania mushroom industry history, economic impact in Chester County and nationwide, or nutrition, healthy benefits, and innovative mushroom products. Recipients become mushroom ambassadors and are encouraged to stay up to date on the industry and seek employment in it.
“The mushroom industry has deep roots here in Southeastern Pennsylvania, and we are proud to be able to give back in this way,” said CAC Chairman Pete Alonzo, Pietro Industries. “For many scholarship winners, they are the first in their families to attend college, and we are thrilled to be able to help young people pursue their dreams through our longstanding scholarship program.”
Recipients of the Scholarships include:
Kennett Square High School
- Joselin Felix
- Kimberly Alvarez
- Elizabeth Ferranto
- Jackson Hannon
Avon Grove High School
- Gabriela Escobar
- Bria Nartey
- Daniela Marquez Beltran
- Nery Mendez Ambrocio
- Tyler Arnold
Oxford Area High School
- Kenna Mullins
For more information, visit www.pamushrooms.org.
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