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DCA Awards College, Graduate Scholarships to Five Students

Delmarva Chicken Association granted scholarships totaling $11,000 to five students pursuing college and graduate studies connected to careers in Delmarva's chicken industry through the DCA College Scholarship Program. Four of the recipients are enrolled in undergraduate programs, and one graduate student was also awarded a scholarship. [Photos of each recipient are available here.]

"By supporting these students, DCA is investing in the next generation of leadership for our chicken community," said Holly Porter, DCA's executive director. "We're glad these young people are interested in putting their education and skills to good use in Delmarva's $3.5 billion chicken economy once they graduate. They'll join a skilled, motivated workforce that feeds America and the world every day."

The following students will receive scholarships:

Trinity Ranshaw of Harrington, Del., who graduated from Lake Forest High School this spring and will attend the University of Delaware in the fall. Ranshaw has been a part of FFA since middle school and has served on the Delaware State Fair Junior Fair Board. Her career goal is to become a high school teacher who can drive enthusiasm about agriculture among her students.

Nicholas Francesconi of Centreville, Md., a Queen Anne's County High School 2021 graduate starting at Miami University (Ohio) this fall. Francesconi plans to earn a degree in robotics engineering in the university's College of Engineering & Computing, and told DCA's scholarship committee he wants to help Delmarva's chicken companies, farmers and allied businesses use robotics and automation to solve challenges. He earned straight A's throughout his high school years and has been involved in student government, band, and theater.

Abigail West of Frankford, Del., a rising sophomore at West Virginia University majoring in agribusiness management. Coming from a fourth-generation farm family, Abigail intends to use her college degree as a grain merchandiser – an important part of the chicken community, which on Delmarva purchases $1 billion in grain a year for feed. A WVU professor who recommended her for the scholarship said she has been able to overcome the challenges of starting college taking virtual classes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and said she was impressed by her "professionalism, maturity and drive."

Cole Statler of Millsboro, Del., a rising junior at the University of Delaware focused on an engineering degree. Statler hopes to land a job improving and maintaining critical infrastructure and equipment in Delmarva's chicken industry. A UD professor who recommended Statler for the scholarship called him a "diligent, conscientious student who is serious about his education." Statler previously received DCA scholarships in 2019 and 2020.

Annette Kenney of Marion, Md., a graduate student at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Kenney is nearing the end of her graduate studies, and has researched food safety issues and animal manure-amended soils on Delmarva, including the potential for fresh vegetable production with the application of various animal manures as soil amendments. Kenney has collaborated with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Somerset County during her time at UMES. She previously received DCA scholarships in 2018 and 2019.

Since 1985, DCA has awarded $161,000 to students pursuing chicken careers through its College Scholarship Program. The scholarships are funded by DCA's College Scholarship Golf Tournament, taking place this year on Sept. 27 at GlenRiddle Golf Course 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.