CULLMAN, Ala. – The Together We Grow Foundation, a nonprofit supported by Alabama Farm Credit, recently announced the awarding of 11 scholarships totaling $27,500 to students pursuing education and careers in agriculture and related fields across north Alabama. Among the recipients are Vinemont High School senior Jayden Friedrich, Cullman High School senior Kylie Calvert, Fairview High School senior Jackson Haynes and Cullman Christian School senior Gracie Stidham.
Friedrich, Calvert, Haynes and Stidham each received a Young Roots Scholarship, awarded to graduating high school seniors who plan to pursue degrees in agriculture and related fields. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement and involvement in their schools and communities.
“This scholarship program was created to support students who are committed to their education and passionate about agriculture,” said Together We Grow Foundation President Kedric Karkosh.
Jayden Friedrich
“Jayden’s leadership, academic excellence and strong connection to agriculture make Jayden a great example of the students we aim to support through this program,” said Karkosh.
Jayden graduated from Vinemont High School with a 4.43 GPA and served as president of the Student Government Association, treasurer of the National Honor Society, captain of the Vinemont High School Archery Team and leader of the Eagle Pride Club. Jayden was also a member of volleyball; Leo Club; Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA); and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Jayden plans to attend the University of South Alabama, majoring in Science of Radiology with a minor in Agricultural Sciences, with plans to continue her family’s agricultural legacy.
Kylie Calvert
“Kylie’s dedication to leadership through FFA and her goals within the agricultural industry make her a strong example of the students we are proud to support,” said Karkosh.
Kylie graduated from Cullman High School with a 3.9 GPA and was heavily involved in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) program throughout her high school career. She was an FFA member from 2020 to 2026, serving as FFA reporter and later as FFA president, demonstrating leadership and dedication to agricultural education.
Kylie plans to attend Auburn University, where she will major in Animal Science. She aspires to pursue a career in the cattle industry and continue her involvement in agriculture at the collegiate level and beyond.
Jackson Haynes
“Jackson’s leadership, academic success and dedication to agriculture reflect the values this scholarship was designed to support,” said Karkosh.
Jackson graduated from Fairview High School with a 4.2 GPA and served as president of the Fairview Student Council and was a member of Fairview FFA, Fairview FCCLA, Math Team, Honor Society and TRIO. He also participated in cross country, track and field and archery, and served as an Academic Archer. Jackson is involved in the Alabama Farmers Federation, Cullman County 4H and the Cullman County 4H Livestock Judging Team.
Jackson plans to attend Auburn University, where he will major in Biological and Agricultural Technology Management. His career goal is to apply technology and problemsolving skills to realworld agricultural challenges on his family’s farm.
Gracie Stidham
“Gracie’s dedication to her academics, her community and rural values reflects the purpose of this scholarship,” said Karkosh.
Gracie graduated from Cullman Christian School with a 3.6 GPA and is a member of the American Christian Honor Society, Math Team, Leo Club, Drama Club and Student Class Ambassadors. She is active in athletics and volunteers with Hope Horses, Feed the Need Missions, First Source for Women, the Northbrook Caring Center and Curt’s Closet.
Gracie plans to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she will major in Nursing, with plans to become a Nurse Practitioner.
Together We Grow Foundation
The Together We Grow Foundation was born from a group of young farmers who recognized a growing need for college scholarships to support students entering Alabama’s agricultural sector. What began as a shared concern has grown into an independent nonprofit dedicated to cultivating opportunity, leadership and longterm success for students across the state.
The Foundation receives proceeds from Alabama Farm Credit’s Ag Night at the Rocket City Trash Pandas, with VIP ticket sales directly benefiting Together We Grow scholarships. VIP tickets are on sale now for Ag Night, set for June 19 at the Rocket City Trash Pandas stadium.
The Foundation primarily raises scholarship funds through communitysupported events, including AgriShoot at Selwood Farms, an annual sporting clays fundraiser held each fall, which will take place on Sept. 18 at Selwood Farms this year.
Through the support of Alabama Farm Credit and community partners, the Together We Grow Foundation continues to strengthen the future of agriculture by investing in students who demonstrate both academic excellence and a commitment to serving their communities.
For more information about the Together We Grow Foundation, scholarship opportunities or upcoming events, visit thetwgfoundation.com or follow Together We Grow Foundation on social media.
