Press Releases

Shelby Hurley, a Wicomico County farm girl, as comfortable behind a school desk as the wheel of a dragster, has been awarded the first annual William B. Blank- DACA Scholarship.  Shelby graduated from Mardela Middle-High School where she maintained a 4.0 GPA.  She is currently enrolled at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and plans to major in plant and soil science with a minor in agricultural business. On the farm, Shelby has been involved in jobs ranging from tillage to adjusting the irrigation system to harvesting.  Shelby is quoted as saying “I feel that with my upbringing and true passion for farming I have set the foundation for my career in agriculture.”

 

The William B. Blank-DACA Scholarship Fund, which is maintained by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, was established from funds remaining in the account of the former Delmarva Agricultural Chemicals Association (DACA). With matching funds were contributed by Bill Blank of Snow Hill, a now retired former leader in the regional agricultural chemical industry, and his wife Nancy.  The $1,500 scholarship is available to students living in Wicomico, Worcester, or Somerset County who intend to pursue a career in production agriculture.

 

Prior to establishing this Scholarship Fund, awards totaling $10,000 each were presented to Virginia Tech and the University of Delaware from Delmarva Agricultural Chemicals Association under the executive leadership of William Blank.

 

For more information about scholarships visit the Community Foundation’s website at www.cfes.org.