Columbus, Ohio – November 7, 2024 — The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), the leading industry foundation dedicated to advancing horticultural education and research, proudly announces Elliott Kenney as the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship was established in 2002 by the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show, Inc. (MANTS) to honor Carville M. Akehurst’s significant contributions to the horticulture industry and his commitment to education.

Vanessa Finney, Executive Vice President of MANTS and daughter of Carville Akehurst, expressed her support for the scholarship program and excitement for this year’s recipient, saying, “This scholarship honors our father’s belief in the power of education and his passion for the green industry. We are thrilled to see the scholarship awarded to Elliott Kenney. We are proud to support her educational journey and look forward to seeing her contributions to the industry.”

The Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship, part of the HRI scholarship program, commemorates the legacy of Mr. Akehurst, who dedicated over 30 years to the horticulture industry, including his role as Executive Vice-President of MANTS and Executive Secretary for numerous Maryland horticulture associations. MANTS established this scholarship with the belief that a strong education is essential to the future success of the nursery and landscape profession, embodying Mr. Akehurst’s values of opportunity and achievement through education.

MANTS is a premier event for the horticulture industry, consistently attracting over 11,000 attendees and more than 900 exhibitors. Known as the “Masterpiece of Trade Shows,” MANTS is sponsored by the State Nursery and Landscape Associations of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.

HRI, established in 1962, has granted over $10 million in scholarships and research grants, supporting the next generation of horticulture professionals. HRI’s scholarship program offers financial assistance to students who demonstrate a commitment to a career in the green industry, ensuring the vitality and growth of horticulture. To learn more about HRI's scholarship program, including the Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship, visit HRI Scholarship Application and Resources.