College Scholarship Program 2024

Josie Parchman

Martin, Tennessee. The Tennessee Council of Cooperatives (TCC) recently awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Josie Parchman, of Dickson, Tennessee. Josie is a student at the University of Tennessee at Martin and is the daughter of Dan and Melinda Parchman. She is a senior working toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Business with a concentration in Farm and Ranch Management.

Josie has worked at the United Farm and Home Co-op in Dickson for five years. In her free time, she enjoys helping a close friend with a small poultry operation. After graduation, Josie plans to either continue her career with the Co-op system or explore other opportunities in the agriculture field.

Maggie Miller

Cookeville, Tennessee. The Tennessee Council of Cooperatives (TCC) recently awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Maggie Miller of Crossville, Tennessee.  Maggie is a student at Tennessee Tech University and is the daughter of Zack and Corey Miller. She is a junior working toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Business. 

Maggie is a member of the Collegiate FFA Chapter serving as Vice-President. In this role she assists the president in leading all meetings as well as planning events on campus. She is a member of Delta Gamma Sorority, serving as director of Pi Chis. In this role she is responsible for interviewing and training each recruitment counselor for the upcoming year’s recruitment, and she is a member of the Delta Tau Alpha Honors Society.

She chose Agricultural Business as a major as she grew up on a farm and was widely involved in agriculture from showing pigs to participating in FFA and 4-H. Upon graduation, Maggie would like to get a job and gain experience in a business related to agriculture. Once learning from this job experience, she wishes to open her own business to helps students and young people who are interested in agriculture but do not have the opportunity to be heavily involved, a chance to create opportunities for themselves in this field. 

Currently, she works part-time at The Steel Coop, a restaurant in Livingston, to help with her college expenses. Her job responsibilities include greeting customers, taking orders, delivering food, maintaining the dining room, completing guest transactions and having good customer service. 

Rhylan Gatson

Nashville, Tennessee. The Tennessee Council of Cooperatives (TCC) recently awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Rhylan Gaston, of Collierville, Tennessee.  Rhylan is a student at Tennessee State University and the daughter of Randal and Velinda Gatson.   Rhylan is a junior working toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Science/Agricultural Business.

Rhylan is also a USDA 1890’s scholar, a student worker and works on various agricultural topics such as public outreach to farmers, research on corn and soybeans and on drone flights. She is currently employed part-time at the Gardens of Babylon landscapes. Rhylan has a passion for food security and healthy living. 

Delaney Turner

Knoxville, Tennessee. The Tennessee Council of Cooperatives (TCC) recently awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Delaney Turner of Lafayette, Tennessee. Delaney is a student at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and is the daughter of Kyle and Tisha Turner. She is currently a sophomore with a major in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications (ALEC).

Delaney’s concentration in ALEC is agricultural education, with a minor in International Agriculture and Natural Resources and will be studying abroad during spring break. On campus, Delaney is involved in Collegiate 4-H, FFA and Farm Bureau club where she serves as the FFA Vice-President. She also works as an assistant with Dr. Shelli Rampold as an undergraduate researcher for the ALEC department.  Delaney was named this year as the Tennessee FFA Alumni Intern where she will be able to assist the state alumni council in developing conventions and promoting the organization. After college, her goal is to find a way to help educate others about agriculture in formal and in-formal settings.

Case Wright

Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The Tennessee Council of Cooperatives (TCC) recently awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Case Wright of Bethpage, Tennessee. Case is a student at Middle Tennessee State University and is the son of Bryan and Michelle Wright. He is a sophomore working toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Agribusiness.

While studying Agribusiness, Case wants to learn how to support local farmers financially. He plans to join the Collegiate FFA Chapter at Middle Tennessee State University and would like to earn an internship with Farm Credit Mid America next year. His plans after college are to work for Farm Credit Mid-America.

Avery Holt

Clarksville, Tennessee. The Tennessee Council of Cooperatives (TCC) recently awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Avery Holt of Chapmansboro, Tennessee.  Avery is a student at Austin Peay State University and is the daughter of Brandt and Nancy Holt. She is a junior working toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Science with animal focused courses.

Avery currently volunteers with the USDA NRCS office as an earth team member. Her interest in agriculture includes managing a farm as well as making sure of the farm’s environment and noting proper care is provided for animals on the farm. She states, “there are many jobs in the agriculture field that are interesting, but I am currently looking for an animal care position.”