Melvin P 'Mel' and Lyndell Crowder NCW Memorial Horticulture Scholarship

The Melvin P. 'Mel' and Lyndell Crowder NCW Memorial Horticulture Scholarship Fund was established in 1993 in memory of Mr. Crowder by his widow and children. After his distinguished Naval service during World War II, Mr. Crowder and his wife purchased a hillside orchard in Manson, Washington. Mr. Crowder dedicated three decades to working with orchardists from Yakima to the Canadian border to help them grow the very best apples. As a charter member of the Washington Horticulture Association in 1985, he was recognized as a leader in the apple industry. The scholarship honors Mr. Crowder's legacy by supporting students from North Central Washington who are pursuing education in horticulture and tree fruit production. Eligible students must be enrolled in either the Tree Fruit Production Program at Wenatchee Valley College or Tree Fruit Management in the Horticulture Program at Washington State University. Recipients must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and are eligible to reapply for renewal, though they must compete with new applicants each year. This scholarship provides financial support to help students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the tree fruit and horticulture industry, continuing the tradition of excellence that Mr. Crowder exemplified throughout his career. The scholarship application period opens January 1st with a March 1st deadline.