Each year, the Extension Master Gardeners℠ of Chowan, Gates and Perquimans Counties award a $1,000 scholarship to an area student pursuing advanced studies in the areas of agriculture, horticulture and/or natural resources. Since 2015, eleven students have received the award. Funds for the annual scholarship are raised through donations and proceeds from an annual Spring Garden Show. The event, hosted by the Chowan, Gates and Perquimans County Master Gardeners, attracts over 500 visitors to the Perquimans County Recreation Center.
In 2022, the scholarship winner was Colby Brown - a resident of Perquimans County and a student of Perquimans County High School. Colby is currently pursuing a degree in Horticultural Science from North Carolina State University.
“The main focus of our Master Gardener program is to enhance public education in consumer horticulture,” says Nancy Dougherty, Master Gardener and scholarship committee chair.” As a natural extension of our program, we now offer a scholarship.”
According to Katy Shook, Master Gardener program coordinator, North Carolina's Green Industry is the fastest growing segment of agriculture in North Carolina. It is a diverse and vibrant industry that has a significant impact on the economy of our state. "Our volunteers continue to recognize and prioritize local students who have the ability to make a positive impact in the industry and their local community. I am proud of their commitment, and encourage residents to support the endeavor by visiting this year's Spring Garden Show on Saturday, April 29th at the Perquimans County Recreation Center in Hertford."
