Arborjet has awarded the 2021 Taking Root Scholarships to three deserving recipients. Now in its eighth consecutive year, the program offers up to $10,000 in scholarships to students who plan to pursue full-time studies in forestry, plant sciences, horticulture, landscape architecture, entomology or a related major at an accredited two- or four-year college.
Alex Gerzberg, from Closter, New Jersey, plans to major in landscape architecture with a minor in arboriculture at Penn State University Park. Gerzberg previously worked at a nursery learning about landscaping, horticulture and arboriculture. He also interned for Wickes Arborists in Spring Valley, New York.
Brendan Lan, who resides in Ripon, California, will major in entomology at Cornell this fall. He attended UC Davis’ Bio Boot Camp 2.0, an entomology camp for high schoolers.
Sean Ward, from Euclid, Ohio, will study plant sciences at Michigan State. He spent time as a forest-ecology research assistant at the Holden Arboretum’s Reinberger Lab investigating the role of mycorrhizal fungi in reforesting old farmland.
“We want parents, educators, counselors and the tree care community to join us in encouraging young students to transform their ingenuity and passion into a career in this important industry. Through this scholarship program, we recognize dedicated students whose philosophy aligns with our company’s mission to help save trees and preserve urban forests,” says Russ Davis, Arborjet president and CEO.
