2019 NCACAA Youth Scholarship Recipients

2019 North Carolina Association of County Agricultural

Agents Association (NCACAA) Youth Scholarship Award Winners

The North Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agents Association proudly announces Steven Bradley, Emily Holmes, Grace Radford, and Jonathan Smith as the 2019 youth scholarship award winners. The scholarship award is being presented to 4 most deserving students who have exhibited excellence in leadership and community service. North Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agents established this $1000 scholarship to four member or life members’ children or grandchildren to aid them with tuition at any University of their choice.

Steven Bradley is the son of Art and Kathy Bradley from Edgecombe County. Steven will be studying Exercise Physiology at East Carolina University in the fall. He has been interested in sports medicine from an early age. He wants to attend medical school so that he can fulfill his dream of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. When asked how his Extension Agent father, Art Bradley has impacted his life, he says, “My dad is one of the biggest role models in my life. He has shown me the importance of work ethic and honesty. He never let me take the easy way out and encouraged me to be the best that I can be without cutting corners. These values have prepared me for life to come and I plan to carry them into adulthood. He has always been a great example of the servant leader that I aspire to be.”

Emily Holmes is the daughter of Kathryn and Jeffry Holmes from Rockingham County. Emily is double majoring in Chemistry and Human Biology at NC State University. She has enjoyed participating in research in biomaterials at UNC Chapel Hill Dental School. She hopes to one day become a general dentist and possibly specialize in pediatric dentistry with special needs children. When asked how her Extension Agent mother, Kathryn Holmes has impacted her life, she says, “my mother has always encouraged me to try everything and explore new opportunities. Whether this was trying out for a play or starting my first beehive, she was always there encouraging and helping me in any way she could. My mother is the hardest working person I know. Everything she does is the best it can be, and she treats everyone with an immeasurable amount of generosity, respect, and kindness. Everyone thinks the world of my mom, and I most of all.”

Grace Radford is the daughter of Jim and Joanna Radford from Surry County. Grace is studying Nursing at Appalachian University. She is interested in the nursing field, because at a young age she started taking care of her aunt who has diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Grace walked to her house every day to check her sugar level, give insulin as needed, and make sure she took her medication. Her care was Grace’s responsibility since all other family members were in the fields working on the farm or in town working at Extension. When asked how her Extension Agent mother, Joanna Radford has impacted her life, she says, “I have been involved in Extension since before I could walk. My Mother used to bring me to the soybean field in a baby carrier while the plots were being laid out. I have seen firsthand how Extension Agents impact the lives of the people they serve. My mother has made me realize the importance of hard work and dedication. I want to be one of the ones making positive impacts in others’ lives just like her.”

Jonathan Smith is the son of Mitch and Lisa Smith from Martin County. He will be studying Agronomy at NC State University in the fall. Jonathan says that his experience of growing up in rural Martin County has made him aware of the need to pursue a career in an agricultural field to contribute to a community where the needs of food and fiber are a high priority He has seen first-hand the divide between those who have basic needs met and those that do not. He has been educated alongside people who have not always had access to food. He says that food is a resource that is often taken for granted by people. When asked how his Extension Agent father, Mitch Smith has impacted his life, he says, “there is no question that my early exposure to agriculture through my father’s career inspired my curiosity. He always has time to answer my questions, to share his job-life with me, and to remind me that America feeds the world. Children raised with a parent who has worked as a County Extension Agent are some of the most fortunate people in the world. As one of those lucky kids, I thank my father and the NC Association of County Agricultural Agents for providing me with those opportunities to think and learn.”