The NGA Foundation, the 501(c)3 nonprofit arm of the National Grocers Association, has announced the 23 recipients of its annual scholarship program, awarded to students planning careers in the grocery industry.
“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 VP. “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.”
Shelly Wayne, the recipient of this year’s 2025 Women Grocers of America Scholarship and payroll and finance administrator at Alex Lee Inc., was grateful for her selection.
“As a full-time employee returning to the college scene, albeit online [at Appalachian State University], 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,” she said. “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 honors a person or organization whose contributions have left a lasting impact on the independent grocery 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, a student at East Tennessee State University and staff accountant at K-VA-T Food Stores.
“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 grade-point average 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.
In addition to Wayne and Potts, the recipients of the NGA Foundation 2025 scholarships are as follows:
- 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;
- 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; and
- David Berube, Buehler’s People First Scholarship, University of Akron, Wadsworth Buehler’s Fresh Foods.
About the National Grocers Association Foundation
The NGA Foundation is 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 industry leaders.
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