This spring, nine students have been awarded internships through the American Floral Endowment (AFE)'s Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program and Mosmiller Intern Scholarship Program. These talented students are stepping up to gain hands-on experience in industry operations across the nation.
The Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program places students at commercial production greenhouses or nurseries for three-, four-, or six-month durations and provides a scholarship of up to $6,000, depending on the length of their internship. The Mosmiller Intern Scholarship Program places students at leading floral retail, wholesale, or supplier businesses for a period of 10-16 weeks, with a $2,000 scholarship upon their completion of the program.
Both programs offer valuable opportunities for both the floral industry and the next generation of professionals. They provide companies with fresh, innovative perspectives and needed workers, while allowing students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, gaining hands-on experience that is vital for their career growth. The Endowment is honored to support and place these talented individuals at leading host locations, guiding them as they take important steps toward their futures in floriculture!
Vic & Margaret Ball Internship Awards
Rachel Becker.
© American Floral Endowment
Rachel will complete a 6-month internship (January – July 2026) at Tagawa Greenhouses in Brighton, CO. Scholarship award: $6,000.
Rachel is a horticulture student at Iowa State University majoring in Horticulture. Inspired by a childhood love of plants, Rachel aims to one day own a floriculture business, and already begun building her skills in greenhouse management with hands-on experience from Reiman Gardens, her coursework, and leading a plant sale. Through the Vic & Margaret Ball Internship, she hopes to explore large-scale production and determine the best path for her future in the industry.
Parker Carlson
Parker will complete a 3-month internship (May – August 2025) at PlantPeddler in Cresco,
© American Floral Endowment Iowa. Scholarship award: $1,500.
Parker is a student at Texas State University, majoring in Agriculture, Horticulture Concentration. Parker's experiences at farmers markets in Edgewood, Texas, sparked his appreciation for ornamental plants and the sense of community they inspire. Now as a student at Texas State University, he has pursued his passion through floriculture courses, hands-on propagation projects, and active involvement in the Horticulture Club. Through this internship program, he seeks practical experience, mentorship, and industry connections to help turn that vision into reality.
Lemuel Dill
Lemuel will complete a 6-month internship (June – December 2025) at Neal Mast Greenhouses in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Scholarship award: $6,000.
© American Floral Endowment
Lemuel is a student at Kansas State University majoring in Horticulture Production. Lemuel's passion for plants began with a small cactus and grew through hands-on experience at the K-State greenhouses. There, he developed practical skills that complemented his coursework and confirmed his interest in greenhouse production. Lemuel's long-term goal is to work in a large-scale greenhouse growing cut flowers, houseplants, or outdoor ornamentals. Through the Vic & Margaret Ball Internship, he hopes to deepen his skills and prepare for a successful career in floriculture.
Zachary Morris
Zachary is completing a 6-month internship (May – December 2025) at Neal Mast Greenhouses in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Scholarship award: $6,000.
© American Floral Endowment
Zach is currently attending Missouri State University, majoring in Horticulture/Forestry. Zach's passion for plants, sustainability, and community education has been shaped by hands-on experience as a Greenhouse Associate at Missouri State and a Horticulture Worker at C&H Plants, where he gained valuable skills in plant care, propagation, and pest management. Active in the Horticulture Club, Zachary is committed to sharing his knowledge through plant sales and outreach programs. His ultimate goal is to manage a greenhouse that not only produces high-quality plants but also educates and inspires others about the importance of sustainable horticulture. Through the Vic & Margaret Ball Internship, he hopes to deepen his industry knowledge and take the next step toward a meaningful, impactful career in floriculture.
Timothy Pearce
Timothy is completing a 3-month internship (May – August 2025) at Heartland Growers in
© American Floral Endowment Westfield, Indiana. Scholarship award: $1,500.
Timothy is majoring in Horticulture at the Kansas State University. Timothy's main goals from this internship are seeing first-hand how the industry operates, and picking up hands-on experience at a large operation. After school, he plans to open up his own greenhouse/nursery, and hopes to use this internship to gain valuable knowledge and apply it to his own business, as well as make potential connections within the industry.
Sydni Potter
Sydni is completing a 3-month internship (May – August 2025) at Metrolina Greenhouses in York, South Carolina. Scholarship award: $1,500.
© American Floral Endowment
Sydni is majoring in Plant Science at the University of Tennessee with a focus on Horticulture Production/Science. Her future goal is to build a career in the horticulture industry by contributing to greenhouse production operations. Through the Vic & Margaret Ball Internship, she hopes to apply her academic knowledge and hands-on experience to support ornamental plant cultivation while learning from industry professionals. Her passion for dynamic greenhouse environments and interest in innovative practices like hydroponics reflect her long-term commitment to a career in greenhouse management and horticulture production.
Brooke Usher
Brooke will complete a 6-month internship (January – July 2026) at Tagawa Greenhouses in
© American Floral Endowment Brighton, Colorado. Scholarship award: $6,000.
Brooke is a student at the University of Georgia, majoring in Horticulture. She first developed a love for plants and people while working at Pike Nurseries in high school. With over 300 service hours in the Horticulture Club and coursework in floral design and greenhouse management, she is starting her internship with strong practical and academic experience. Her goal is to continue growing her skills through this internship, and eventually lead inclusive public gardening projects that inspire future horticulturists.
Alana Wood
© American Floral Endowment
Alana is completing a 3-month internship (May – August 2025) at Pure Beauty Farms in Miami, Florida. Scholarship award: $1,500.
Alana is currently attending Kansas State University and majoring in Horticulture Production. Growing up on a farm and participating in FFA and agriculture classes sparked Alana's deep interest in horticulture, especially after her first experience working in a school greenhouse. Alana's ultimate goal is to become a head grower in greenhouse management, producing high-quality ornamental plants through carefully developed scouting, fertilizer, and water management programs.
Mosmiller Internship Awards
Isabella Tolosi
Isabella is completing a 12-week internship (May – August 2025) at McArdle Florist and
© American Floral Endowment Garden Center in Greenwich, Connecticut. Scholarship Award: $2,000.
Isabella is currently a student at the University of New Hampshire majoring in Agriculture and Food Systems. Isabella's ultimate goal is to own and operate a sustainable flower farm that serves as a community-focused destination where people can connect with the beauty of nature. She aspires to sell freshly cut bouquets, participate in farmers' markets, and eventually develop the farm into a wedding venue. Through the Mosmiller Internship, she hopes to gain hands-on floriculture experience, grow professionally, receive mentorship, and build a supportive network within the industry, all of which will help lay the foundation for her dream career.
American Floral Endowment
Tel.: +1 (703) 838-5211
[email protected]
www.endowment.org
