By MEGAN SMITH

Staff Writer

Fifteen different awards and scholarships were given to students, faculty and alumni at the Agricultural Sciences Scholarship dinner on April 15.

The evening was held in Lomax Hall auditorium and began with the presentation of the Distinguished Alumnus Award, which alumnus Layne Parnell received.

Dr. Gary Kennedy, an associate professor of agriculture science, said the award is given to those who have given back.

“The award is for those who have a continuing service to agriculture and support and service to this department,” Kennedy said.

Parnell graduated from Tech in 1970 with a bachelor of science in agricultural business. He was recognized for his work in agricultural, professional and civic organizations and his support and promotion of agriculture and youth.

The Outstanding Students Awards recognized the achievements of seven students in four different majors.

Alexis Ryland, a senior agricultural business major, and James Michael Baxter, a senior agricultural business major, both received awards in agricultural business.

Marty Cantrell, a senior agricultural education major, received the award for agricultural education.

Cantrell said he has enjoyed his time at the university and was honored to receive the recognition.

“I am glad the department saw enough in me to award me the scholarship because there are many other great students,” Cantrell said. “I feel the department has prepared me well for the future.”

Chiara Cross, a junior animal science major, and Jesse Ham, a senior animal science major, both received the Outstanding Student’s Award in animal science.

Cross said she was glad the scholarship is offered because it is very beneficial to the students.

“The scholarships really help out,” Cross said. “Extra money is always needed for books and other things, and we are all very appreciative of the department.”

In plant science, Roxie Jordan and Christina Walsworth, both senior plant science majors, received the awards.

Kennedy said the award is based partly on scholastic achievement but is also based on leadership and service.

“The student’s achievements speak for themselves,” Kennedy said. “In addition to academics, these students are well-rounded; they also have strong involvement, service and professional development.”

Following the Outstanding Student Awards, seven students were recognized and given a stethoscope for being accepted into veterinary school. Nine other students received outside scholarships.

The department of agricultural sciences awarded 26 incoming freshman with agricultural sciences scholarships, 23 more continuing students, those who have not stopped working toward their degrees, retained their scholarships and seven continuing students retained their T.W. Ray Johnson Scholarships.

Ending the night of awards was the Agricultural Ambassador recognition. Seven ambassador awards were given out, and Kennedy said these individuals are a huge help to the department.

“They serve as ambassadors for the department, recruit new students and help with events,” Kennedy said. “In fact some helped with this event.”

Kennedy said the event included all aspects of the College of Applied and Natural Sciences.