The Wine Society of Texas announces its 2024 Scholarship Program Awards totaling $10,000 to students for assistance in wine and winery education, internship or field study in Texas, research work as it pertains to grape growing, and wine making in the state of Texas.
The Wine Society of Texas (WST), a 501c3 non-profit educational organization, is pleased to announce that it will be awarding scholarships totaling $10,000 in support of six students. These students are: (a) attending institutions in the State of Texas, (b) studying viticulture and oenology, (c) pursuing advanced degrees in Horticulture in Texas, (d) involved with Texas winemaking or field studies / wine education, or (e) involved in promoting the education of grape growing and wine making in the State of Texas.
This scholarship assistance program is consistent with the founding ideas of WST and its continued mission to enhance the appreciation of Texas wines, foster the knowledge of oenology and viticulture, support charitable activities, and educate wine consumers throughout the State of Texas. The funding for the WST Scholarship Program is provided through charitable donations, local WST Chapter fundraising events, and annual statewide wine events.
“We are excited about the quality of the applications we continue to receive said Ms. Shirley Choate, State President of the WST. We are pleased to continue our long tradition of providing meaningful scholarships to these worthy individuals who have a passion for the Texas wine industry and helping in its growth and evolution. This is our way of “going local” to support Texas talent and invest in the future of the Texas wine industry.
The WST is proud to have now provided scholarships of over $126,000 in the last 22 years through our Scholarship Program. This is all due to the continuous support and efforts of our members and those individuals who have made donations through the Wine Society of Texas website. We want to thank all of you for your contribution snd commitment.”
Following is a summary of this year’s award recipients:
$3,000 James F. Whitley Founders Scholarship is awarded to Holly Ollis – Mrs. Ollis is currently working towards a Bachelor of Science Degree: Plant and Soil Science at Texas Tech University, concentrating on Viticulture and Enology. In addition to her studies at Tech she currently works as a Tasting Room Ambassador at Pedernales Cellars.
$2,000 is awarded to Antoinette Landragin – Ms. Landragin is currently enrolled in the online Viticulture Certification Program at Texas Tech. Ms. Landragin is currently CEO at Cork and Fork in Washington DC. After
20 years in the retail business, she now plans to focus on viticulture in Texas. Long term she would like to open a vineyard in the Texas Hill country.
$1,500 scholarship is awarded to Michael Cook – Mr. Cook is a full-time Extension Viticulturist completing his PHD in horticulture at Texas A&M University. Mr. Cook obtained his BS degree from Texas A&M and his Masters degree from Fresno State University. With all his duties as a program specialist he continues to maintain a 4.0 GPA. He serves on several boards and has authored numerous publications.
$1,500 scholarship is awarded to Daniel Hillin – Mr. Hillin is currently a Viticulture Program Specialist and a PHD student specializing in viticulture. at Texas A&M. Daniel received a double Bachelor of Science degree in
Plant and Environmental Soil Sciences and Animal Science and Master of Science in Horticulture from Texas A&M. Mr. Hillin served in the U.S Marine Corp before pursuing his advanced education. He has also served as vineyard manager for the Texas A&M research vineyard for three years.
$1,000 scholarship is to Mikayla Lively – Ms. Lively is in her senior year at Texas Tech pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Viticulture and Enology and a minor in Business. She currently services as Tasting Room Associate for McPherson Cellars and has just obtained her
WSET Level 2 Certification. She also plans to take her Court of Master Sommelier Level 1 exam at the end of the year.
$1,000 scholarship is awarded to Amanda Miller
Ms. Miller is in her senior year currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Viticulture and Enology. She also holds an Associate of Science degree from Collin College in Plano. In addition to earning her degree she plans to obtain her Wine Marketing Certificate at the end of the year.
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For more information about the scholarship program or the WST please visit the website at www.winesocietyoftexas.org or contact WST by phone (713-705-8574). The Wine Society of Texas, headquartered in Midland, Texas, was started in 1996 and received its 501c3 non-profit status in 1999. It has over five chapters around the State of Texas.
The WST mission is to enhance the appreciation of wine, especially Texas wines; educate the experienced as well as the beginning wine taster; promote the wine makers, and grape growers; foster the knowledge of oenology and viticulture; help in charitable activities throughout the state of Texas; and promote the responsible consumption of wine.
The WST organizes events that promote appreciation of wine through education in a comfortable social setting with the aim of building an educated and responsible wine culture in Texas. The WST focuses on consumers of wine in the State of Texas, providing consumer feedback to wineries, and actively works with organizations and wineries in the State on various education programs.
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