Takeaways
- Four first-year students from rural Georgia join the 2025-26 cohort of CAES Rural Scholars, bringing leadership, academic excellence and deep community ties.
- Scholars receive a $7,000 annual scholarship to support their studies in agricultural and environmental sciences.
- The CAES Rural Scholars Program empowers students with mentorship, service opportunities and a strong foundation for future impact.
Four freshman students at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences have carried more than textbooks and dorm room decor to campus — they’ve brought unique perspectives and strong work ethics tied to their rural Georgia roots.
The CAES Rural Scholars Program recognizes incoming, first-year students from Georgia’s rural communities who have excelled academically, show strong leadership abilities and have a record of community service.
The new cohort includes Makena Blalock of Calhoun, Georgia; Halli Kate Johnson of Twin City, Georgia; Laney Sparks of Forsyth, Georgia; and John Haven Stalvey of Alapaha, Georgia.
“When we launched the Rural Scholars Program in 2020, our goal was simple: to provide talented students from rural communities with the opportunities and resources they need to succeed in higher education,” said CAES Dean and Director Nick T. Place. “We know that students from rural areas often face unique challenges, but they also bring in valuable perspectives and determination.”
The program was the vision of Keith Kelly, a 1980 CAES graduate and founder, president and CEO of Kelly Products; his wife, Pam Kelly; and 1983 CAES alumnus Robert Varnedoe.
The program welcomes a new cohort of up to four first-year students studying within CAES each year. Each eligible scholar will receive an annual academic scholarship of $7,000, renewable for up to four years, which can be used to cover tuition, housing, meal plans, books, transportation and more.
The 2025-26 cohort was selected from eight finalists, narrowed down from 26 applicants.
Makena Blalock
Blalock, studying agricultural and environmental science communication, is a 2025 graduate of Sonoraville High School in Calhoun, Georgia.
She served as Georgia FFA state secretary, representing more than 81,500 members across the state, and earned national recognition as a winner in the National FFA Agriscience Fair.
As a CAES student, Blalock aims to participate in opportunities offered by the college, including the Congressional Ag Fellowship and the CAES Ag Ambassador Program.
“I am eager to utilize what Calhoun, Georgia, has contributed to me — encouragement, confidence, faith and passion — to ensure that I leave a meaningful impact on others,” Blalock said. “I am confident that no matter where life takes me, my rural roots run deep, and there is always a community — or rather a family — that will welcome me home and support my personal growth.”
Blalock is the Kelly Families/Farmview Market Scholar.
Halli Kate Johnson
Graduating second in her class at the Emanuel County Institute, Johnson is bringing her strong academic background to her first semester at CAES. The poultry science major aims to build on her academic achievements, leadership skills and commitment to service through research and outreach opportunities on campus.
Whether she’s serving in a leadership position on student council, performing on a competitive dance floor or creating a community program, Johnson credits her Twin City upbringing for her strong work ethic and resilience.
“In rural areas, life often requires a level of self-sufficiency and resourcefulness that is less prevalent in urban settings,” Johnson said. “I have learned that life does not always go according to plan, but with the right skills, you can overcome anything.”
Johnson is the James and Audrey Usry Rural Scholar.
Laney Sparks
Majoring in agricultural and environmental science communication, Sparks is building on the leadership skills she gained during her experiences with FFA, the Future Business Leaders of America and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Despite spending her early childhood years in suburban McDonough, Georgia, Sparks fondly remembers the day that her parents shared they were moving back to rural Forsyth. She credits the move back to her great-great-grandparents’ land as a moment of transformational growth.
“(Because of Forsyth, Georgia) I know what it’s like to watch somebody you value deeply spend hours out in a field so that people can have food on their plates. I know what it’s like to watch a forester label trees that best serve the purposes of our economy,” Sparks said. “I know what it’s like to see a community rise together to support everyone.”
Sparks’ scholarship is supported by Jerry Stephens.
John Haven Stalvey
Whether running cattle with his grandfather or running the South Region FFA Rally, Stalvey is no stranger to hard work and building community.
Stalvey is partway through his first semester majoring in agribusiness, and he attributes his ambition to compassion and servant leadership.
“In our modern world, having integrity, hard work and commitment built on a foundation of faith has helped me to best serve those I am involved with, and allows me to say that I am proud and blessed beyond measure to call the small town of Alapaha my home and the people within it my community,” Stalvey said.
Stalvey’s scholarship is supported in honor of Donald and Myrtis Akins.
