Delmarva Chicken Association Awards $30,000 in Scholarships to Fifteen Students
Delmarva Chicken Association has granted scholarships totaling $30,000 to 15 students pursuing college and graduate degrees relevant to careers in Delmarva's chicken industry through the DCA College Scholarship Program. Three graduate students and twelve undergraduate students, selected by a committee of DCA members who reviewed their applications, recommendations, and academic achievements, earned scholarship awards.
"By supporting these students, DCA is nurturing the next generation of leaders in our chicken community," said Holly Porter, DCA's executive director. "These young people are determined to put their learning and skills to good use in the chicken community. They'll join an essential, motivated workforce that puts tasty, nutritious chicken on the plates of Americans and the world."
The graduate students receiving $3,000 scholarships are:
Bishal Bhattachan of Hyattsville, Md., a graduate student at the University of Maryland. Bhattachan hopes to become a poultry researcher making advances in gut health, nutrition, and muscle biology.
Unishma Ghimire of Princess Anne, Md., a graduate student at University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Ghimire is seeking a master's degree and is studying heat stress resilience in pasture-raised broiler chickens.
Jiddu Joseph of Newark, Del., a graduate student at the University of Delaware. Joseph is pursuing a doctoral degree in animal and food sciences, and has focused his research on pathogens that threaten flock health.
The undergraduate students receiving $2,000 scholarships are:
Macy Cook of Cordova, Md., a student at the University of Mount Olive studying for a degree in agribusiness.
Mason Jewell of Hartly, Del., a student at the University of Kentucky pursuing a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics.
McKenna Vest of Clayton, Del., a student at Texas A&M University working towards a degree in agricultural economics.
Caroline Kimball of Ridgely, Md., who will attend either Purdue University or Virginia Tech in pursuit of a bachelor's degree in animal science.
Avery Kerrick of Greenwood, Del., who is pursuing a degree in agricultural education and advocacy at the University of Kentucky.
Muhammad Ibrahim of Hurlock, Md., a student interested in engineering who will attend the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
Brooklynne Keiser of Smyrna, Del., who is enrolling at the University of Delaware to seek a degree in business administration.
Madeline Tomlinson of Parsonsburg, Md., who is set to attend St. Mary's College of Maryland with an intended major in marine science.
Katelyn Sankar of Centreville, Md., who is pursuing a degree in entrepreneurship from Grove City College.
Sarah Yamakawa of Fruitland, Md., who is enrolling at the University of Maryland and hopes to study biology and ornithology.
Two additional students earned special 'pick of the flock' $500 scholarships, drawn from the remaining pool of strong scholarship candidates:
Madelyn Cook of Eden, Md., attending Salisbury University and seeking a degree in business management/human resources.
Brayden Hearn of Laurel, Del., who attends Delaware Valley University and is seeking a degree in agricultural business.
Since 1985, DCA has awarded $300,500 to students pursuing degrees relevant to chicken careers through its College Scholarship Program. The scholarships are funded by DCA's College Scholarship Golf Tournament, taking place this year on Sept. 14 at GlenRiddle Golf Club in Berlin, Md.
About Delmarva Chicken Association
Delmarva Chicken Association, founded in 1948, is the Delmarva chicken industry's voice as the premier membership association focusing on advocacy, education and member relations. DCA's vision is to be the most-respected chicken organization in the United States. For more information about the Delmarva Chicken Association, visit www.dcachicken.com or call 302-856-9037.