By Jamie Woolley

Three students in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) at Texas Tech University received the Howard Alford Memorial Scholarship this year. Nathan Klatt, a sophomore range management major from Hale Center, Texas, Amanda Reed, an Anton, Texas, native and junior agricultural economics major, and sophomore agricultural education major Lacy Simon from Lubbock, Texas, were recipients of this year’s scholarship.

The Plains Cotton Cooperative Association Board of Directors established the Alford Scholarship in 1974 in memory of the coop’s former chairman.

“This scholarship is allowing me to do what I want to do,” Reed said. “I’m getting an education so I can get a better job.” Reed plans to pursue a career in commodities upon graduating from Texas Tech.

Lacy Simon stays involved in agriculture by being a member of Collegiate FFA. She also is involved in other activities outside CASNR such as Chi Omega Sorority.

“This scholarship is very important to me,” Simon said. “I personally don’t make enough money to pay for college; so, it’s a big help.” After graduating she would like to work as an agricultural loan officer.

Amanda Reed

Nathan Klatt

Lacy Simon

The scholarship committee of CASNR chooses the recipients each year. Committee members include a representative from the dean’s office and one representative from each of the six agriculture departments. In order to be considered for the Alford Scholarship, a student must have a good grade point average and an interest in cotton but does not have to be a member of PCCA. Nathan Klatt, however, has a special interest in cotton and PCCA.

“I’ve farmed cotton with my dad all my life,” Klatt said. “This summer, I’m farming on my own.” Nathan and his father are members of PCCA. After graduating, he plans to continue farming.

One of every three students in CASNR receives an academic scholarship of some type. Year after year, PCCA’s original endowment does its part to contribute to the higher education of the agricultural leaders of tomorrow. In the 28 years since the Howard Alford Memorial Scholarship was established, PCCA has helped 142 agriculture students reach their educational goals.