The West Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association’s Marcus W. Rennix Memorial Scholarship program is accepting applications for Mountain State students studying horticulture, landscape architecture and nursery and greenhouse management.
The deadline for applications to be submitted is Sept. 30.
Executive director Julie Robinson said students must be in-state residents who have completed half the required courses in ornamental horticulture or landscape architecture and maintained at least a 2.5 grade point average.
She said applicants are typically college juniors or seniors, and each scholarship awarded is $5,000.
Robert “Bobby” Gompers, president of the association’s board and owner of Highland Landscaping in Buckhannon, said, “Supporting and mentoring West Virginians — regardless of where they study – to excel in our green industry profession is a priority for the nursery and landscape industry. Our board and membership are focused on recruiting, retaining and promoting the best talent, and this scholarship is a tangible commitment to meeting that goal.”
Gompers said a few board members earned the scholarship when they were students, and now they are leaders in the industry.
He cited Jason Testman of Valley Gardens in Charleston and Michael Biafore and Patrick Biafore of Biafore Landscape Development in Morgantown.
Vice president Testman said his scholarship was very helpful to completing his education.
“We want to give juniors and seniors in our profession a financial boost and lend a hand with mentoring so they can join our ranks in the growing green industry,” said Testman.
Robinson encouraged eligible students who meet the criteria to apply for the educational funds.
Applications can be completed at WVNLA’s website: https://wvnla.org/scholarships/. She said scholarship winners will be recognized at the association’s Winter Symposium in Charleston Feb. 18, 2026.

West Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc., established in 1939, is a professional trade association dedicated to supporting nursery and landscape businesses and vendors throughout the Mountain State.
WVNLA members support West Virginia college students studying horticulture and landscape architecture with scholarship opportunities. They also share expertise and support in their communities; meet for volunteer projects; and support worthy, industry-related endeavors through Association donations. 
For membership, events, or mission priorities please visit https://wvnla.org.