In 2019 the DCMGA received a generous donation from the estate of Dallas County Master Gardener and Texas Master Gardener Emerita member Carolyn Bush. Honoring Carolyn’s wishes, the DCMGA Academic Scholarship was established. After careful consideration of a number of qualified applicants, the members of the Philanthropy Team- Sara Burke, Leslie Densmore, Joe Elsener, and MaryClare Milner- selected Stevie Wakefield as the winner of the DCMGA 2025 Academic Scholarship. Stevie says that vegetable and ornamental gardening have been her passion for 15 years. She was a Master Gardener in Suffolk County, New York, where she learned about running a community- supported agriculture program from a multi-generational farming family and participated in plant sales. After a cross-country move, she became a Master Gardener in Hunt County, Texas.

Stevie credits this association with providing the resources necessary for learning how to grow things in Texas. She admits to being utterly spoiled by the layer upon layer of rich topsoil in Long Island, but has learned lovingly and patiently to appreciate our “black gumbo”. Within the Master Gardener organization, she loved getting to know the local community and having opportunities to share her plant knowledge.

After the birth of her third son, Stevie committed to completing her formal education and enrolled at Collin College. What had been a hobby became a career path. At Collin College, she received her associate’s degree in Urban Sustainable Agriculture. In August, Stevie

completed her bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems at East Texas A&M University. In addition to her classroom work, she is a student Agriculture Research Associate at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Dallas. Next spring, she will begin the master’s degree program at Texas A&M in Plant Breeding.

Stevie has juggled work and family responsibilities while maintaining excellent grades. She was recommended without reservation by her professors who stated that her commitment and work ethic are an excellent example for others. It was also stated that Stevie’s goals align well with those of Master Gardeners and that she has all of the qualities and maturity to be a tremendous asset to the Urban Agriculture industry.

The DCMGA, is delighted to be of assistance on Stevie’s academic journey.