Southeast Produce Council Vorhees Vision Scholarship Winners Announced

MILLEN, GA - The Southeast Produce Council is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Vorhees Vision Scholarship.

Established in honor of the late Terry L. Vorhees, founder and first Executive Director of SEPC, this scholarship recognizes outstanding young leaders who embody an entrepreneurial spirit while pursuing their educational goals. Terry’s vision helped shape SEPC into one of the most trusted and impactful organizations in the produce industry, and this scholarship continues his legacy by investing in the next generation.

SEPC scholarships are awarded to students who meet the eligibility requirement of having a parent or grandparent who is a corporate member in good standing with SEPC. “Member in good standing” means the company has been on the SEPC membership roster for at least 12 months and has personally attended at least one SEPC event within the past year.

Applicants must be graduating high school seniors or currently enrolled college students (freshman through senior year) and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Selection is based on academic performance, letters of recommendation, leadership and community involvement, standardized test scores, and the strength and originality of the student essay.

SEPC’s Vorhees Vision Scholarship recipients will receive a one-time scholarship to their enrolling college or university.

• 1st place - $10,000
• 2nd place - $1,500
• 3rd place - $1,000

Congratulations to the 2026 Vorhees Vision Scholarship Recipients

• 1st Place - Carter Schwalls, Daughter of Jon Schwalls, Southern Valley Fruit & Vegetable
• 2nd Place - Johnathon Rocendo, Son of Mayra Arvizu, Mack Farms
• 3rd Place - Maxwell Masser, Son of David & Jamie Masser, Sterman Masser Inc.

For this year’s scholarship, students explored the future of agriculture and its vital role in feeding families across the nation. Applicants were asked to consider how farmers can continue to nourish communities while navigating modern challenges such as climate change, labor shortages, and market volatility. According to the recent release, essays highlighted the importance of innovation, sustainability, and strong community support systems in ensuring our food supply remains resilient and secure for generations to come.

To learn more about SEPC scholarship programs, upcoming events, and ways to get involved, visit www.seproducecouncil.com.