Nancy Taylor: Greene Publishing, Inc.
Genesis Timber recently awarded a scholarship to Steven Walden, of Madison. Walden is a recent graduate of Madison County High School, and currently attends North Florida Community College (NFCC) and works with Bryan McHargue at MW Land and Cattle Company. Walden plans to transfer to Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) in January and major in diversified agriculture.
This scholarship is for $2,500 and is renewable annually (up to $10,000) provided Walden maintains a specified level of performance.
This scholarship is for young people interested in pursuing a major in one of five areas: forestry, agriculture, business, technology or education.
The qualifications for this scholarship include a high school grade point average (GPA) of 2.75. The student must have had minimal discipline referrals while in high school, no drug or alcohol use, no arrest record and not pregnant or parenting.
Interested students submitted a completed scholarship application, an essay of personal information/introduction including field of study interest, goals and future plans.
Each candidate was also required to have three letters of character recommendation and complete two interviews with the selection committee (one by themselves and one with the student and family).
“We were very impressed with Steven. He talked easily and confidently with the selection committee and didn’t falter for lack of words. He has definite goals and a plan for reaching them,” said committee member, Jeanne Webb.
While in high school, Walden played baseball for the Cowboys. He was also quite active in the school’s FFA club (even serving as an officer). In fact, earlier this month, Walden attended the Florida FFA State Convention where he received the state degree.
Steven is the son of Steve and Julie (Harris) Walden, of Madison. “We are very proud of Steven and are very grateful to Matt and Jerry and Genesis Timber for giving Steven this opportunity.”
Genesis Timber began this scholarship program during the 2015-16 school year. They plan to award a new scholarship each year, while also renewing the scholarship to each prior recipient who maintains the requirements for continuance.
Genesis Timber congratulates Walden on this accomplishment; they wish him the best in his future endeavors.