Sewell, from Lithonia, received $2,000 from PGMS and $1,000 from PLANET.
“Tracy is an exceptional student. Her passion for horticulture has led her to develop talents in both ornamental horticulture and food production — in other words she is a landscaper and a farmer. She has led class projects, often designing the work that is then constructed, and campus-wide efforts, too. Last fall, for Gwinnett Great Days of Service, she led a team in the tree planting and designed the pollinator garden that was installed at our Learn-in Farm on the same day,” said Aaron Poulsen, horticulture program director, Gwinnett Tech.
“She has brought local and national recognition to our program,” added Poulsen. In addition to the national scholarships from PGMS and PLANET, Sewell has won a host of local and GTC scholarships and awards, and has been named the Horticulture program’s outstanding student for the year.
Gail Zorn, Gwinnett Tech grounds manager, nominated Sewell for the PGMS scholarship. “She is very deserving. I have watched her grow in her aspirations. Her interests are very diverse and she is a great ambassador for the college and the horticulture program,” said Zorn.
Each year, the PGMS Scholarship Committee rewards students in horticulture or related fields. The committee searches for students who have excellent grades, past or current employment in the green industry, involvement in the industry with apprentice or professional organizations and service in civic projects and outreach programs. It also looks for any personal development classes and involvement in sports or clubs. Students must be sponsored by a PGMS member, like Zorn.
“The scholarship program is a wonderful way to recognize interns or college students you meet in the industry,” said Gerald Landby, scholarship committee chairman for the PGMS.
Along with the cash prize, Sewell was provided complimentary registration to either the PGMS Summer Education Conference in Sacramento, CA or the PGMS School of Grounds Management and GIE+EXPO in Louisville, KY.
From PLANET, Sewell earned the 2015 PLANET Academic Excellence Foundation scholarship. She will be honored at the PLANET AEF Scholarship Recognition Reception this month in Raleigh, NC. Since 1998, PLANET AEF has awarded scholarships to landscape contracting and horticulture students whose schools are actively involved in PLANET.
Gwinnett Tech offers an associate degree and diploma in horticulture, plus certificates for GIS Technology, Landscape Design Technician, Landscape Installation Technician, Sustainable Urban Agriculture Technician and Floral Designer. In all, Gwinnett Tech offers more than 50 degree, diploma and certificate options that can be completed in two years or less. For more information, visit www.GwinnettTech.edu or call 770-962-7580.
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About Gwinnett Tech
Gwinnett Technical College, one of Georgia’s largest technical colleges, is committed to delivering relevant knowledge to meet the workforce training needs of its community. The college offers more than 50 associate degree, diploma and certificate programs and hundreds of seminars, workshops and courses providing specialized training. GTC is Gwinnett County’s largest provider of corporate training and now serves residents and businesses in north Fulton County. Gwinnett Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Gwinnett Technical College. In addition, some college programs hold separate licensure or accreditation status with appropriate agencies.
A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia.
