NGA Foundation Reveals 2024 Scholarship Recipients

July 17, 2024

22 Students Pursuing Food-Related Careers Receive Scholarships to Continue Education

Washington D.C. - The NGA Foundation, the 501(c)3 nonprofit arm of the National Grocers Association, has announced the recipients of its 2024 scholarship program. This year, 22 students planning careers in the grocery industry received scholarships, provided by the generosity of our donors and affiliate groups.

"The Foundation is honored to play a role in advancing the education of the food industry's next generation of leaders," said Chelsea Matzen, NGA Foundation vice president. "This year's recipients demonstrate a passion for serving their communities. We wish them well in their future endeavors."

The NGAF Scholarship program consists of about 25 scholarships that are awarded annually. These scholarships are one-time awards given in the name of an individual or individuals and are designed to acknowledge and continue the legacy of those individuals and organizations within the independent grocery industry.

Students may apply for scholarships starting each January until the deadline in April. Scholarships are open to full-time enrolled college and post graduate students with a minimum 2.5 GPA and plans to pursue a career in the independent grocery industry. Scholarships are managed by the NGA Foundation and selected by independent committees of reviewers. Winners are notified in July.

Nearly all of this year's scholarship recipients have worked or are currently working in grocery. "These awards can be a great retention tool for NGA members and the independent grocery community as a whole," Matzen said.

The recipients of the NGA Foundation 2024 scholarships are as follows:

Asparagus Club ($2,000)

Audrianna Hunt

A student at Liberty University, Hunt appreciates being selected as a scholarship recipient. "I believe that it will show what I have accomplished, to be chosen for such an honor, especially my future in the grocery industry," said Hunt, who works for K-VA-T Food Stores as an accounts payable senior clerk. "I hope to gain more knowledge and excel in my career within the company. I very recently got promoted to junior staff accountant and hope to move up to staff accountant soon."

Jenna Krakomperger

A student at the University of Findlay, Krakomperger is also a recipient of a Women Grocers of America scholarship. "Upon graduation, I plan to work with my parents and start the process of taking over their grocery business and becoming an owner," said Krakomperger, who works as an accounts payable associate for a management services company. "I hope to make a significant, positive and encouraging impact on the grocery industry. I hope to be a mentor for others as I want to show younger people that lifelong careers within the grocery industry are possible."

Aldo Martinez

This scholarship puts Martinez a step closer to his dream of having a job at the executive level of a retail corporation. "I find it fascinating to see interactions between a consumer and a company, and I would like to help keep building a company's name within consumers and be able to make sure that the grocer provides the best products and experience," said Martinez, a Drake University student and Fareway Stores grocery clerk. "Currently, about 7% of CEOs are Hispanic or Latino. I hope to increase that number by showing other Hispanics and Latinos that It is possible to have an executive position and that it is possible to achieve our dreams."

Kenneth Osborn

"Winning this scholarship will have a profound impact on my career and future aspirations," said Osborn, a University of Arkansas student and Walmart replenishment manager who's working toward a master's degree and a career in supply chain and grocery merchandising. "In the next 10 years, I aspire to create a significant impact on the grocery industry by promoting and implementing sustainable practices. I hope to reshape the grocery industry into an environmentally responsible and customer-centric field."

Kendal Taylor

This Old Dominion University student and K-VA-T desktop support technician hopes to make an impact on the information security side of the grocery industry. "Customers are our most valuable resource, and it is essential that their personal information that they trust us with maintains confidential and secure," Taylor said. "Winning this scholarship means that I can continue to grow within the grocery industry."

Asparagus Club - Thomas K. Zaucha Award ($2,500)

Kayla Visbeck

A Post University student, Visbeck works in online pickup and delivery at ShopRite, where she is enrolled in a leadership program. "These opportunities will act as a guide as I explore the endless possibilities within such a valuable industry," she said. "I hope to impact the grocery industry by inspiring large chain grocers to become even more involved in their local communities. The opportunities are quite endless."

Bob Richardson Legacy Scholarship ($1,000)

Emily Luebkemann

"I hope to supply the grocery industry through agriculture, along with potentially providing the grocery industry with more business by bringing more out-of-town people into the local stores," said Luebkemann, a student at Southeast Missouri State University who works at the Red Bud IGA as a cashier and stocker, and in the produce department. "Receiving this scholarship allows me to explore and truly understand where I am called to be after graduation."

Buehler's People First Scholarship ($1,000)

Kayleigh Ethington

A student at Ashland University, Ethington works as a cake decorator for Buehler's Fresh Foods. "Winning this scholarship means that I will be able to continue my higher education and learn the business side of the industry. I will get to continue networking and learning from great people to help me succeed in my future," she said. "With everything now switching to online preferences, I hope to be able to provide a friendly and positive in-person demeanor to encourage people to get out of the house and feel comfortable and safe in their communities."

Charlie and Becky Bray Legacy Scholarship ($2,500)

Kyah Ledbetter

"One of my goals is to eradicate childhood hunger and eliminate food deserts," said this student at Austin Peay State University who works as a Food City cashier. "I plan on working in agriculture with a focus on economics, food security, horticulture or inspection. I want to help others realize their potential through community gardening and by giving to our local food banks."

Della Noce Family Diversity Scholarship ($1,500)

Gabriela Catalan

"This opportunity not only supports my education but also validates my identity and experiences, inspiring me to contribute to a more inclusive and diverse community," said Catalan, a University of Houston-Victoria student and Costco cashier. "I aim to drive significant growth in the grocery industry by championing sustainability, innovation and customer satisfaction. Prioritizing diversity and inclusion will create a more dynamic workforce, boosting morale and productivity."

Ecolab Women in Grocery ($2,000)

Nora Kalvik

"I hope to make an impact on the grocery industry by creating a more adaptive and inclusive environment based on the needs and wants of consumers," said Kalvik, a student at Iowa State University who works as a Hy-Vee Aisles Online manager. "I would like to design products or spaces focused on helping others overcome challenges they may face. I believe it is extremely important to serve every single customer to the best of our ability, which may take innovative and creative solutions."

Ed and Helen Buehler Scholarship ($1,000)

Drake Crumley

A student at Ashland University and a bagger at Buehler's Fresh Foods, Crumley said winning this scholarship "is living proof of what three years of hard work and dedication can achieve." He plans to continue working at Buehler's while pursuing his education. "I hope to gain more real-world experience in the inner workings of the grocery industry," Crumley said. "I hope to build connections and become more familiar with the general operations of business in the retail industry."

FMS Solutions Holdings Legacy Scholarships

Spencer Drylie ($1,500)

This student at Ohio's Miami University said receiving this scholarship is "a validation of my vision to create an impact in the grocery industry." Drylie is studying economics and entrepreneurship while working as a bakery association at Dorothy Lane Market. "I imagine a future within grocery retailing where independent, community-centered grocers can thrive alongside large chains," he said. "I believe that the future of the grocery industry belongs to those who can strike a delicate balance between innovation and the enduring human desire for connection, tradition and a sense of place."

Lauren Elwood ($1,500)

"As a business management major at the University of New Haven, I fully intend to return to the grocery industry to perform internships, summer jobs, and to further explore career opportunities after receiving my MBA in four years," said Elwood, who works at Uncle Giuseppi's Marketplace in suburban New York as a cashier and is also involved in food sampling, catering, e-commerce and the store's coffee bar. Elwood looks forward to being "an effective manager ready to serve both the company and the community that I have grown to love."

Taylor Hughes ($3,000)

Also a Women Grocers of America scholarship recipient, this University of Mississippi student is majoring in management with an emphasis in HR while working as a floral coordinator and produce assistant for Associated Wholesale Grocers. "Since I already work in the grocery business, this scholarship will create wonderful networking opportunities for me, which could also lead to great job opportunities," Hughes said. "My goal is to stay with my current company and help better it, which in turn will improve things for our member stores."

Kimberly Clark Legacy Scholarship ($2,500)

Devin Smerdon

A student at the University of Virginia, Smerdon appreciates the financial security this scholarship offers his family. "It impacts my career by validating all of the hard work I have put it and will continue to put in," said Smerdon, who works as a front-end manager for K-VA-T Food Stores. "I hope to be able to explore the industry from a financial or supply chain side of operations."

Mary Macey Legacy Scholarship ($1,500)

Zoe Ganzman

"Winning this scholarship will have a profound impact on my career. It will provide me with the financial support needed to complete my education by allowing me to fully dedicate myself to my studies and gain the necessary knowledge and skills in the grocery industry," said Ganzman, a student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln who works as a pool manager for the city of Leawood, Kan. "I hope to make an impact on independent and community-centered grocery stores… by increasing efficiency and becoming more technologically advanced."

Mondelēz International Legacy Scholarship ($2,500)

Abigail Davidheiser

"The financial support from this scholarship has not only allowed me to envision a future where I can share my ideas and goals with businesses and corporations but has also enhanced my credibility and employability in the eyes of future employers," said the Kutztown University student who works as a cashier for Giant Food Stores. "My pursuit of a double major in business will inform and educate me on how to give back to society and to future generations moving forward."

Peter and Jody Larkin Legacy Scholarship ($2,500)

Meredith DeGroot

A student at Kirkwood Community College, DeGroot has worked in produce for Fareway Stores for five years through middle and high school. My goal is to learn as much as I can about the industry and apply it to my own goal of opening my own business in the food and grocery industry," DeGroot said. "I hope I can impact the industry through seeking improvement each day in my job. As a trained chef, I believe these skills will translate well into the grocery industry."

Roger Collins Legacy Scholarship ($1,000)

Olivia Snyder

Snyder is a student at Grace College and works as a barista. "I aim to assist in the marketing and connection of the grocery industry. I desire that customers feel trust and confidence in the products they shop for and in the places they shop at," she said. "People should feel excited about the experience they have going to the grocery store. I want to help remind people that they can go to a local grocery store and be well taken care of."

Ronnie Horton Legacy Scholarship ($1,250)

Hannah Christensen

A student at Johnson & Wales University, Christensen also works as a cashier for Sam's Club. "The grocery industry is constantly changing…to adapt to shifts in our culture, economics and environment. I hope to be a significant and beneficial part of that change," she said. "Ultimately, I strive to positively impact the grocery industry by emphasizing sustainability, accessibility and innovation to benefit both customers and our world."

Elijah Schipper

"I want to focus on bringing back and maintaining a customer service-based approach to the grocery industry," said Schipper, a student at Augustana University who works as an assistant produce manager at Fareway Meat & Grocery. "I am also concerned with the grocery industry's growing food waste problem. I believe the grocery industry's responsibility towards its customers extends far beyond providing quality items in the store, but also maintaining a quality environment. I can't wait to be a part of the change for our communities and our industry."

Women Grocers of America ($2,500)

Jenna Krakomperger (also awarded an Asparagus Club scholarship, noted above)

Taylor Hughes (also awarded an FMS Solutions Holdings Legacy Scholarship, noted above)

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About the Asparagus Club

The Asparagus Club was founded in 1909 as a group bound together by ties of friendship and mutual interest of cooperation and fellowship among members of the independent grocery industry. The name Asparagus Club was selected for the group to symbolize the concept that one single tip of asparagus standing alone would fall, but when tied together in a bunch could stand upright.

About the NGA Foundation

The NGA Foundation is the 501(c)3 nonprofit arm of the National Grocers Association. The Foundation provides independent retailers with tools to develop more effective recruiting programs, enhance retention efforts and bolster professional leadership development opportunities for employers.

The NGA Foundation seeks to position the grocery industry as an employer of choice for college students and is committed to supporting students planning careers with independent grocers. Since 1990, NGA and its affiliates have awarded more than $1 million in scholarships providing the critical resources needed to invest in our future leaders.

For more information, visit www.ngafoundation.org/scholarships