The Horticultural Research Institute, an industry foundation dedicated to advancing horticultural education and research, has announced Elliott Kenney as the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship.
This scholarship was established in 2002 by the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show to honor Carville M. Akehurst’s significant contributions to the horticulture industry and his commitment to education.
Elliott Kenney is a third-year graduate student in landscape architecture at the University of Maryland and serves as treasurer of the Maryland student chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.
After 10 years of work in non-profit advocacy, Kenney brings her dual passions for nature and justice to her studies. Her master’s thesis, inspired by her own experiences as a late-diagnosed neurodivergent individual, focuses on designing public parks that prioritize accessibility and inclusivity, fostering environments of beauty and belonging for all. In addition, she is involved in research using VR technology to model urban flooding, demonstrating her commitment to addressing real-world environmental challenges.
Vanessa Finney, executive vice president of MANTS and daughter of Carville Akehurst, expressed her support for the scholarship program and excitement for this year’s recipient.
“This scholarship honors our father’s belief in the power of education and his passion for the green industry. We are thrilled to see the scholarship awarded to Elliott Kenney," Finney says. "We are proud to support her educational journey and look forward to seeing her contributions to the industry.”
The Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship, part of the HRI scholarship program, commemorates the legacy of Akehurst, who dedicated over 30 years to the horticulture industry, including his role as executive vice-president of MANTS and executive secretary for numerous Maryland horticulture associations. MANTS established this scholarship with the belief that a strong education is essential to the future success of the nursery and landscape profession, embodying Akehurst’s values of opportunity and achievement through education.
HRI, established in 1962, has granted over $10 million in scholarships and research grants, supporting the next generation of horticulture professionals. HRI’s scholarship program offers financial assistance to students who demonstrate a commitment to a career in the green industry, ensuring the vitality and growth of horticulture.
