Marian Hollenbeck is a recipient of the Fred Winter 2026 Memorial Award for Excellence in Horticulture given by the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture.  Hollenbeck is a senior at Rutgers University School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, New Brunswick, NJ where she majors in Plant Science-Horticulture and minors in Environmental and Business Economics.   

A scholarship in the amount of $3,000 will be given by Mrs. Barbara Winter at the PSPA meeting in April 2026.

With a 3.90 average, Hollenbeck in a resident of Medford, NJ.  During her tenure at Rutgers, she received numerous scholarships as well as completing internship in hydroponics, plant pest and disease identification, and garden management.  She was also involved in various extracurricular activities related to her major and minor.

“I want to be at the crossover between traditional farming, plant science, business, modern technology, and environmental sustainability.  I am a strong believer that thinking about our food and where it comes from encourages people to make better decisions for their own health and the health of our planet.”

Payton Fulton is a recipient of the Fred Winter 2026 Memorial Award for Excellence in Horticulture given by the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture.  Fulton will be a graduating senior at Delaware Valley University where she majors in horticulture. 

A scholarship in the amount of $3,000 will be given by Mrs. Barbara Winter at the PSPA meeting in April 2026.

With a 3.67 average, Fulton in a resident of Philadelphia, PA.  During her tenure at Del Val, she received numerous scholarships and honors as well as belonging to the Del Val Plant Breeders Club and the Horticulture Society.  She did internships at Ambler Arboretum, Scott Arboretum, and Bartram’s Gardens.

“Horticulture has shown me that working with nature is one of the most powerful ways to heal, connect, and give back.  My long-term vision is to use my hands-on experience and future graduate studies to help shape a greener and more equitable food system…one where access to fresh food and green space is a right not a privilege.”

This annual award is designed to recognize outstanding students majoring in Horticulture with the clear
intent upon graduation from their undergraduate university (or after attending graduate school) of pursuing a career in one the many branches of horticulture including landscape architecture and environmental sciences.

It honors the memory of Dr. Fred Winter who owned a farm in the Pottstown area and was an active member of PSPA for many years. Dr. Winter had over two hundred rhododendron plants on his
farm including several varieties he bred and developed himself.