NGA Foundation Announces 2025 Scholarship Recipients

23 Students 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 2025 scholarship program. This year, 23 students planning careers in the grocery industry received scholarships provided by the generosity of donors and affiliate groups.

"Investing in students through scholarships is one of the most powerful ways the NGA Foundation can help secure the future of the independent grocery industry," said Chelsea Matzen, NGA Foundation vice president. "Each year, we are proud to recognize promising students who are passionate about serving their communities and pursuing careers in our industry. None of this would be possible without the generosity of the individuals, families, and organizations who fund these scholarships, and we are deeply grateful for their continued support."

The NGA Foundation offers 23 scholarships each year, providing financial assistance and recognition to outstanding students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to careers in the independent grocery industry.

"I am grateful to be awarded the NGA Foundation scholarship for 2025. As a full-time employee returning to the college scene, albeit online, with one teen in college and the other soon to be in college, this is a pleasant surprise and blessing for me personally as well as for my family," said Shelly Wayne, the recipient of this year's Women Grocers of America Scholarship and Payroll and Finance Administrator at Alex Lee Inc. "This scholarship award will enable me to take additional classes this academic year, which will keep me moving forward towards my bachelor's degree in accounting. Having the support of my family was an important part of my decision to return to school at this time in my adult life. Knowing I can pursue my academic goals without financial weight on my family provides a great sense of relief."

Each scholarship is created in honor of an individual or organization whose contributions have left a lasting impact on the independent grocery industry. These scholarships help students pursue their educational goals and celebrate the legacy of those who have shaped the industry.

"Winning the FMS Solutions scholarship means more to me than words can fully express, as a full-time employee in accounting and a part-time student pursuing my bachelor's degree, balancing work, school, and financial responsibilities has been incredibly challenging," said Brandi Potts, student at East Tennessee State and Staff Accountant at K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc. "This past year, especially, the financial strain of college has been overwhelming. Receiving this scholarship not only eases that burden but also fills me with deep gratitude and renewed determination. It affirms that my hard work and aspirations matter and that others believe in my potential. With this support, I feel even more motivated to achieve my long-term goals of earning a master's degree, passing the CPA Exam, and becoming a certified CPA. This scholarship is more than assistance; it's a powerful reminder that I'm not alone on this journey."

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.

2025 NGA Foundation Scholarship Recipients

• Shelly Wayne - Women Grocers of America Scholarship - Appalachian State University - Alex Lee, Inc.

• Miriam Jaimes - ECRS Scholarship - Tyler Junior College - Brookshire Grocery Company

• Amya Rucker - FMS Solutions Holdings Legacy Scholarship - Howard University - Publix

• Ian Haydu - Buehler's Ed & Helen Buehler Scholarship - Buehler's Fresh Foods

• Austin Helgerson - Ronnie Horton Legacy Scholarship - Iowa State University - Decorah Fareway Meat and Grocery

• Brendan Wong - Kimberly-Clark Corporation Scholarship - University of Michigan - Ann Arbor - The Kroger Co.

• Shannon Jenkins - Roger Collins Legacy Scholarship - University of Iowa - Fareway

• Katherine Finnegan - Ecolab Women in Grocery Scholarship - Iowa State University - Fareway

• Meredith DeGroot - Asparagus Club Scholarship - Kirkwood Community College - Fareway

• Isabelle Rahn - Bob Richardson Legacy Scholarship - Iowa State University - Fareway

• Jahzara King - Ronnie Horton Legacy Scholarship - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Martins

• Jasmine Batistini - ECRS Scholarship - Bryant University - Demoulas Market Basket

• Kylie Shafer - Women Grocers of America Scholarship - Northwest Missouri State University - Fareway

• Acadia Farley - Charlie and Becky Bray Legacy Scholarship - University of Pittsburgh - Kennies Marketplace

• Joshua Coe - Asparagus Club, Thomas K. Zaucha Award - University of Tennessee Chattanooga - K-VA-T Food Stores

• Madison M. Tredore - Asparagus Club Scholarship - Kennesaw State University - Kroger

• Mallory Sutherland - Asparagus Club Scholarship - California State University, Fresno - Fresno State Learning Center

• Brandi Potts - FMS Solutions Holdings Legacy Scholarship - East Tennessee State University - K-VA-T Food Stores Inc.

• Matthew Hamby - Asparagus Club Scholarship - Appalachian State University - Lowes Foods

• Alexia Lyn Brown - Peter and Jody Larkin Legacy Scholarship - Central College - Fareway

• Cheyenne Hopkins - Asparagus Club Scholarship - Rowan College at Burlington County - Murphy's Fresh Markets

• Shelby Reece - Mary Macey Legacy Scholarship - University of North Carolina Asheville - Ingles Markets

• David Berube - Buehler's People First Scholarship - University of Akron - Wadsworth Buehler's Fresh Foods

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About the National Grocers Association Foundation

The NGA Foundation is the 501(c)3 nonprofit arm of the National Grocers Association, dedicated to cultivating and strengthening the independent grocery industry's workforce. Through education, leadership development, and scholarships, the Foundation empowers the next generation of grocery professionals while supporting current industry leaders. By investing in talent, fostering innovation, promoting career growth, and offering targeted support to help grocers operate various government assistance programs, the NGA Foundation ensures that independent grocers remain vital pillars of the communities they serve. For more information, visit https://www.ngafoundation.org.

About NGA

NGA is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale community grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating a variety of formats. The independent grocery sector is accountable for about 1.2 percent of the nation's overall economy and is responsible for generating more than $250 billion in sales, 1.1 million jobs, $39 billion in wages and $36 billion in taxes. NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers located in every congressional district across the country, as well as state grocers' associations, manufacturers and service suppliers. For more information about NGA, visit https://www.nationalgrocers.org.