FAA Scholarship Program

Tractor Supply Company and the National FFA Foundation recently announced the results of their new Growing Scholars program. Tractor Supply customers across the country donated $362,324, resulting in 284 scholarships awarded to FFA members in their pursuit of a college degree. Eleven of the 284 scholarships were awarded to North Carolina residents.

The Growing Scholars program was supported nationally by each of the more than 1,175 Tractor Supply stores Feb. 15-24 as part of National FFA Week. Tractor Supply customers supported local FFA chapters and their members by purchasing an FFA emblem for $1 at store registers during the checkout process. Ninety percent of funds raised are being utilized to fund scholarships for FFA members, with the remaining 10 percent benefitting state FFA organizations.

“The amount of support we received from our customers in such a short amount of time was outstanding,” said Tractor Supply President and CEO Greg Sandfort. 

The National FFA Foundation selected FFA members across the United States to receive the scholarships. Two $1,000 grants were also awarded to select FFA Chapters. Here is a list of the scholarship recipients from North Carolina and their desired career field: Dustin Black, Franklinville, N.C., Conservation Biologist, Katie Edwards, Four Oaks, N.C., Teacher, Katelyn Fulp, Greensboro, N.C., Teacher, Christina Harvey, Canton, N.C., Agriculture Publications Writer or Public Relations, April Lamb, China Grove, N.C., Veterinarian Medicine or Biological Research, Justin Lawrence, Winterville, N.C., Livestock Production, Haley Lohr, Graham, N.C., Environmental Protection, Mary Pope, Clinton N.C., Veterinarian, Paxton Sappenfield, Forest City, N.C., Veterinarian, Abby Whitaker, Mooresboro, N.C., Extension Agent, Breanna Williams, Smithfield, N.C., Teacher

To be eligible for a scholarship, students must have been current FFA members and either a high school senior or a freshman, sophomore or junior college student seeking a two- or four-year degree or other specialized training program. Major areas of study were also considered when determining scholarship recipients. For the final report of funds raised and a list of the scholarship recipients, visitwww.TractorSupply.com/FFA.

“We are thrilled with the results of the first Growing Scholars program,” said National FFA Foundation Executive Director Robert K. Cooper. “We are very thankful for Tractor Supply’s continued support of FFA and the efforts of its customers to give our youth a chance to grow.”

“Local high school agricultural advisors and FFA chapters feel at home in their local Tractor Supply stores,” said John Wendler, senior vice president of marketing at Tractor Supply. “These groups often host fundraising events at our stores to raise money for community projects, like building a school greenhouse, a new bridge in a public park or an animal care lab. Our stores also work with local FFA members to support specific programs and proficiencies by providing demonstrations from knowledgeable Tractor Supply employees and our vendor partners, which brings significant value to both organizations.”

Tractor Supply has been a sponsor of the National FFA Foundation for 27 years. The National FFA Foundation is the fundraising arm of the National FFA Organization.

Tractor Supply Company, listed on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange as TSCO, operates more than 1,175 stores in 45 states. Tractor Supply Company stores are focused on supplying the lifestyle needs of recreational farmers and ranchers. The company also serves the maintenance needs of those who enjoy the rural lifestyle, as well as tradesmen and small businesses. Tractor Supply Company stores are located in the outlying towns in major metropolitan markets and in rural communities. The company sells light truck equipment, work clothing for the entire family, and an extensive line of seasonal products including lawn and garden power equipment products. For information visit www.TractorSupply.com.

The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders and support the future of agriculture education. For more, visit http://www.FFA.org/Give.