“On behalf of everyone at Case Farms, we are happy to extend our congratulations to 14 impressive young adults who are receiving our 2026 scholarships. These individuals embody the spirit of Case Farms with their hard work, positive attitude, dedication, community service, and desire to continue their personal growth and education. We are honored to support these outstanding young individuals on their accomplishments and are proud to help them achieve their future goals,” said Mike Popowycz, vice chairman and CEO of Case Farms.  

The recipients of the 2026 J. Leroy Cook Memorial Scholarship are:

• Desirae Allen is the daughter of James Allen, a grower at Allen Way Farms for Case Farms in Ohio. Desirae is attending Penn Western University, where she is pursuing a degree in speech pathology.  

• Daniel Avila-Calderon is the son of Rigoberto Avila, a team member from the Goldsboro, N.C., feed mill. Daniel is attending North Carolina State University, where he is pursuing a degree in computer engineering.

• Anahy Reyes-Calderon is the daughter of Jose Juan Reyes Rosa, a team member from the Morganton, N.C., facility. Anahy is attending Appalachian State University, where she is pursuing a degree in health science.

• Maritza Cisneros Estrada is the daughter of Jesus and Fulvia Estrada, growers at Estrada Farm for the Morganton facility. Maritza is attending Rice University, where she is pursuing a degree in chemical engineering.

• Anna Fox is the daughter of Dustin Johnstone, a team member from the Canton, Ohio, facility. Anna is attending Kent State University, where she is pursuing a degree in molecular cellular biology.

• Lucas Fuciu is the son of Marius Fuciu, a team member from the Winesburg, Ohio, facility. Lucas is attending Ohio State University, where he is pursuing a degree in finance.

• Avery Heskett is the son of Eric Heskett, a veterinarian at Case Farms in Olin, N.C. Avery is attending N.C. State University, where he is pursuing a degree in agricultural business management.

• Sara Kate Honeycutt is the daughter of Nathanial Honeycutt, a grower at N&L Farming for the Goldsboro facility. Kate is attending Campbell University, where she is pursuing a degree in special education.

• Tushar Joshi is the son of Neeraz Joshi, a team member from the Morganton facility. Tushar is attending Wake Forest School of Medicine where he is pursuing a master’s degree in medicine.

• Fiona Lin is the daughter of Suihua Liu, a team member from the Morganton facility. Fiona is attending North Carolina State University, where she is pursuing a degree in materials science and engineering.  

• Katryanna Obringer is the daughter of David Obringer, a team member at the Winesburg facility. Katryanna is attending Ohio State University, where she is pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering and music-jazz.

• Taylen Owens is the son of Careto Owens, a team member from the Farmerville, La., facility. Taylen is attending Grambling State University, where he is pursuing a degree in education.

• Emma Reeves is the daughter of Mike Reeves, a grower at Beaver Creek Farms for the Farmerville facility. Emma is attending Louisiana Tech University, where she is pursuing a degree in elementary education.

• Sarene Roland is the daughter of Steve Roland, a team member from the Troutman, N.C., office. Sarene is attending Appalachian State University, where she is pursuing a degree in fine arts/teaching.

“Winning this scholarship means more than financial support, it recognizes the hard work and countless hours I have put into my studies. It motivates me to keep striving toward my long-term goals. It also eases the burden of educational costs, allowing me to focus on my studies and pursue opportunities that will shape my future,” said Desirae Allen, scholarship winner.

Fiona Lin, scholarship winner, said, “I see this support not just as financial assistance, but as an investment in my future and a responsibility to make the most of the opportunities it makes possible.”

Scholarship recipients underwent a competitive process, completing a detailed questionnaire that was evaluated by a scholarship committee of independent professionals outside of Case Farms.

Source: Case Farms