PRESTON POOLER AWARDED DR. HENRY W. INDYK SCHOLARSHIP
Preston describes UT Martin as a small-town campus of around 6,000, with a hometown feel, great for meeting people and getting involved. Typical of Preston, he started that process during the summer orientation before his freshman year. “I filled out the application and interviewed for the Freshman Council of the Student Government Association (SGA). I found out I was selected during the start of my freshman year.” Te freshman council puts together a philanthropy project. Preston says, “We chose Martin Middle Schools and gathered school supplies for them. Donating was ‘their ticket in the door,’ allowing us to encourage them to consider UTM as their college choice.” He also was just selected as a Senator for the College of Ag.
Preston Pooler has been awarded the four-year Dr. Henry W. Indyk Scholarship, which is administered by Te Lawn Institute. Preston is the son of Jason and Tina Pooler, Tri-Turf Sod Farms, Inc., Paris, Tennessee. Preston is currently finishing his freshman year at the University of Tennessee at Martin where he is majoring in Ag Business.
In her letter of recommendation, Laura Moss, Agriculture Education Teacher, and Paris FFA Advisor, at Henry County High School, wrote, “Preston’s leadership abilities are what impressed me the most. He learned the basic skills in the Boy Scouting program and was able to hone those skills through our FFA program. He served as a three-year officer for the chapter, serving as President his senior year, and was a regional FFA officer, as well as our State Officer candidate.” And, she added, “He graduated with distinction after maintaining his GPA and completing an industry certification in OSHA-10 Agriculture.”
Preston excelled in the Scouting program. He was elected Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), recognized as Scouting’s highest youth leadership role, for 12 years. He achieved Eagle Scout rank. He was not only selected for the Order of the Arrow, an honor society of the Boy Scouts of America, he served as Vice Chief and Committee Chair. And he received the Vigil Honor, the highest honor the Order of the Arrow can bestow upon its members for service to the lodge, council, and Scouting.
In one of his essays, Preston wrote, “My career aspiration is to return to my family farm and contribute significantly to its growth and innovation, utilizing the knowledge and skills acquired from my degree.” In the other, he stated, “Te dedication and passion that professionals in the turfgrass industry exhibit have been a source of inspiration. I have seen first-hand the hard work, resilience, and innovation required to thrive in this field.”
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Preston started a photography business while still in high school which he plans to continue long-term. As well as doing jobs within his hometown community, he has captured still photos and drone images of Tri-Turf ’s projects for use in sales and marketing. Check out his shots on Facebook: @Preston Pooler Photography. And he’s using those skills at UTM. Shortly after Christmas break, Preston was hired as an intern, working with campus relations as their videographer. He says, “Now I’m on the payroll as the videographer for campus events and a fill- in for UTM’s photographers.” He and Jason have been discussing potential future business-related applications of those skills.
Preston joined the Christian fraternity, Kappa Alpha Order, where he serves as treasurer and philanthropy chair. He’s enthusiastic about the fraternity's adopted charity, Te Independence Fund, which provides tracked wheelchairs to disabled veterans, giving them mobility outdoors. “We raised about $4,000 this semester. Our fraternity typically raises about $10,000 a year.” Fraternity members are required to maintain a set GPA and are encouraged to take part in designated group study hours. “I appreciate both,” says Preston. “Tey help hold everyone accountable.”
Preston also remains active in FFA and Farm Bureau at the collegiate level. Along with all this, he continues to contribute to Tri-Turf Sod Farms, serving as the company’s Social Media, IT Director.
He says, “I’ve been fortunate to attend many TPI events and have seen how the association has an impact on the farmer side, and on the policy side. I’m thankful for the opportunity to personally have the association’s support through this scholarship.”
TPI Turf News May/June 2024
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