GARRETT GAVRANOVIC AWARDED DR. HENRY W. INDYK SCHOLARSHIP
Field Team. Garrett addressed his student-athlete role in his essay about his career goals and how receiving the scholarship will help him achieve those goals. He wrote, “All of my free time between classes will be used to run at practice or travel to meets on the weekends.”
In an email to the scholarship committee in December of 2023, Garrett reported that he would be transferring to Texas State Technical College in Richmond, Texas, and changing his major to Industrial Systems. Garrett wrote, “Tis school is closer to home, so it is easier for me to work and do my studies. It will also suit my interests better.”
Garrett Gavranovic has been awarded a one-year Dr. Henry W. Indyk Scholarship, which is administered by Te Lawn Institute. Garrett is the son of William and Jenny Gavranovic, Horizon Turf Grass, Inc., Wharton, Texas. Garrett’s grandfather, William (Willie) Gavranovic, Sr., sponsored the application.
Garrett attended Boling High School in Boling, Texas, where he was a four-year member of the Boling FFA and was named Outstanding Member in 2023. He was on the Varsity Cross Country team for four years, qualifying for the State Meet in 2021. He also was a four-year member of the Varsity Track team and qualified for the Regional Meet in 2022 and 2023. In addition, Garrett was active in Holy Family Catholic Church, serving as a volunteer during all four years of high school.
Garrett lists his job experience as a field worker for Horizon Turf Grass from June 2020 to June 2023. He advanced to field manager in July of 2023. His letter of recommendation came from Beau Malone, Horizon Farms Manager. Malone wrote, “As a farm manager for Horizon Farms for the past five years, I have witnessed Garrett Gavranovic become an outstanding young man.” And “Troughout his four years of high school, he worked every summer on the grain auger cart for corn harvest for months at a time. Between work and school, he was also active in athletics, church, and community outreach.” Malone added, “Garrett is passionate about turfgrass, row crops, gardening, and agriculture as a whole. I feel that he is a great candidate for this scholarship due to his rigor and persistence in always helping his family’s business succeed.”
Garrett majored in Environmental Science at Texas Lutheran University during his freshman year, where he also was a student-athlete on the TLU Track and
46 TPI Turf News May/June 2024
In his career goals essay, Garrett wrote, “Farming has played a major role in who I am, and who I aspire to become. It has molded me into the person I am today from the many lessons that I have learned while doing farmwork. I grew up on a three-generation family farm in South Texas, where we produce sod and row crops. My friends and family describe me as an avid gardener, with a green thumb. I have raised my own produce and helped on the farm from the time I was able to walk. Hard work, dedication, and perseverance are some of the most important attributes I have witnessed from my family and gained growing up in the farming industry. From being able to fix any mechanical issue, to harvesting crops, I have realized that I want to continue in my family business and help it excel to the best of my abilities. I will be able to accomplish this through attending college and further expanding my knowledge and real-life experience.” He added, “Overall, being awarded this scholarship will truly help me on my journey to come back to my family’s turfgrass business while also achieving my personal goals along the way.”
In his essay on how the turfgrass industry has shaped his character, Garrett wrote, “Being raised on a farm has shaped me into an individual who has a passion for growing and sustaining the environment.” And “On the production side of turfgrass farming, each of my family members, including myself, plays a vital role in our business. My grandfather and father have taught me many valuable lessons in the sod fields.” And “We have learned to overcome obstacles on a daily basis to produce the best quality sod for our customers.” He added, “I hope to one day spread awareness of agriculture and the importance of real sod in our communities, schools, and sports stadiums.”
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