Scholarships Awarded by Maryland Grain Producers

Matthew Fry and Julie Roop each received a $2,500 scholarship from the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB) during the Maryland Commodity Classic on July 27. This scholarship program has been in effect for nine years to assist students in their pursuit of a career in agriculture. “This program was started to demonstrate our commitment to education and to the agricultural industry,” said Jason Scott, president of MGPUB. “Education is a long-term investment – the young folk who attend college today will come back into our industry and help us grow and prosper. For this reason MGPUB allotted $5,000 to support two $2,500 scholarships for students enrolled in agricultural programs.”Matthew Fry, son of Ed and Marian Fry, plans to return to the family owned and operated grain and dairy operation on the Eastern Shore after he graduates from Virginia Tech with a major in dairy science. He plans on a double minor in crop and soil sciences and applied Ag economics. Matt achieved a 3.92 GPA at Kent County High School and maintains a 3.0 GPA at VPI.Julie Roop, daughter of Samuel and Mary Jane Roop, is majoring in Agricultural and Environmental Education at West Virginia University. She plans on returning to Maryland as an Ag teacher. She graduated from Catoctin High School with a GPA of 4.0 and maintains a 3.74 GPA at West Virginia. She currently serves as an intern for Maryland Farm Bureau and is involved with several other volunteer activities.“These two teenagers both have a strong agricultural interest and will be an asset to our industry in the future,” stated Scott.