AVA MORGAN AWARDED DR. HENRY W. INDYK SCHOLARSHIP


Ava Morgan has been awarded a one-year Dr. Henry W. Indyk Scholarship, which is administered by Te Lawn Institute. Ava is the daughter of Michael and Mauria Morgan, Poinsett Turfgrass Company, Harrisburg, Arkansas. Following high school graduation, Ava will attend the University of Arkansas, where she plans to study law.


In her letter of recommendation, Jordan Loebach,


12th Grade Counselor at Valley View High School in


Jonesboro, Arkansas, wrote, “Ava has excelled in all aspects of school at Valley View High School. She has above a 4.0 GPA (grade point average). She has taken a rigorous course load at Valley View including both AP (Advanced Placement) and college courses. But to all that, she is very active in many school and community organizations.”


Tat list of clubs and organizations is extensive: Tennis team, Project Prevent Youth Coalition, Environmental Club, Student Council, and Prom Committee. Ava was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society in August of 2018, and was in the National Senior Honor Society throughout high school, contributing over 50 service hours during that span. She joined the Science Club in August of 2021, assisted with its School Campus Cleanup Project, and served as Secretary for 2022-2023, and President for 2023-2024. Ava joined the Junior Auxiliary Crown Club in August of 2021, where she contributed over 35 community service hours, helped lead the Desired Haven Charity Ball which raised $10,000 for domestic abuse victims, and served as secretary for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 terms. Ava became a member of Delta Beta Sigma in January of 2023, served as Vice President Sisterhood for the 2023-2024 term, and contributed over 40 community service hours. Ava participated in Arkansas Model Government, House of Representatives, District 52, from February to June of


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2023. She was an Arkansas Girls State Delegate in May of 2023 where she was County Judge of Harrod City, elected to be a Senator for the state, and was selected as Outstanding Citizen of Harrod City. Ava has served on the Mayor’s Youth Advancement Council since May of 2023 where she is the Director of City Beautification. In addition, she has contributed over 20 hours of community service through Bread of Life Food Pantry.


Loebach also wrote, “[Ava] currently is our high school Student Council’s Reporter where she helps promote school and community activities while promoting school spirit and morale via social media. As one can see, Ava is incredibly talented athletically and academically, as well as involved in making her school a better place with leadership roles that she obtains.” And “Ava Morgan is committed to making whatever she participates in a success. She is obviously highly intelligent, but more than that she is responsible, vibrant, and mature.”


In her essay telling the scholarship committee about her career goals and how receiving the scholarship will help her, Ava wrote, “Growing up with parents in the turfgrass industry and in a rural, farming community it just makes sense to have a career in the agricultural industry. Farming is a business and as with any other business, farmers encounter some obstacles. How you manage an obstacle can determine the business's success or failure.” And “Problem-solving has always been one of my strengths. So it only makes sense to me to follow the career path in Agriculture law. Using my voice to help those around me who can’t do it for themselves is something I feel very strongly about.”


Ava wrote, “Going to law school will be an intense process and I am excited to tackle this challenge.” Her essay acknowledged the increased expense of the additional degree and noted how receiving Te Lawn Institute Scholarship would help her achieve her goal. She added, “I can assure the committee that I will utilize my strong study habits and work ethic while in college.”


In her essay addressing how the turfgrass industry shaped her character, Ava wrote, “Farming taught me discipline. I learned how to manage my time and responsibilities. Most importantly, I learned that when you dedicate your time and effort to small things each day, you can build something to be proud of.” She added, “Te exposure I have had to farming and business operations has given me direction and purpose.” And, she continued, “Because of this lifestyle, I have developed a strong work ethic, better communication skills, and creative thinking.”


TPI Turf News May/June 2024


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