Highland Lakes Master Gardener Association
Scholarship Program
The Highland Lakes Master Gardener Association (HLMGA) provides volunteer services to the local community which focuses on educating the public in advanced horticultural ideas and practices. In addition to the various educational projects in which the members participate, the Association offers scholarships to undergraduate students currently enrolled in a horticultural degree curriculum and graduating seniors from area High Schools who plan to pursue an undergraduate degree/technical certification in the agricultural or horticultural sciences.
The three 2025 recipients of HLMGA Scholarships:
Two Burnet County high school seniors McKenzie Evans and Weiss Stanley are recipients of a Highland Lakes Master Gardeners scholarship for 2025 graduates. Last years recipient, 2024 graduate Riley Arrington, also received a matching scholarship to continue her college career. All three scholars were very active in their local 4-H and FFA clubs, excelled in their schoolwork, gave willingly of their time as volunteers and were leaders in their chosen fields of endeavor.
Riley Arrington will continue her studies at Cisco College, transferring next year to Angelo State University for a BS in Animal Communications with Animal Rehabilitation minor. She continues to run her own animal physical therapy business part time, all while earning recognition in her studies and the rodeo program at CC.
McKenzie Evans attended Burnet High School gaining recognition for her 4-H and FFA leadership, Norman Borland Youth in Agriculture Program and student council activities. She is on her way to Texas A & M University to study ruminate embryology as a means to improve food production globally.
Weiss Stanley earned recognition through his many volunteer efforts with 4-H programs and Habitat For Humanity while receiving excellent grades being homeschooled. Weiss also showed livestock, became an accomplished pianist, dedicated Habitat volunteer and Master Gardener. He also served as team president, captain and registered coach of the award winning Stonehill 4-H Precision Rifle Team. Weiss will attend LeTourneau University Honors Program working towards a Civil Engineering degree.
While these three students all grew up in our community, they have chosen different pathways for their future. We were very impressed with their maturity, confidence and self-awareness. Our committee chose to award each student with a scholarship of $1500. Many thanks to the board and membership for their support of this gift to these students.
Three Scholars $1500 each
Riley Arrington attending Cisco College, transferring next year to Angelo State University.
Two Burnet County high school seniors McKenzie Evans and Weiss Stanley are recipients of a Highland Lakes Master Gardeners scholarship for 2025 graduates. Last years recipient, 2024 graduate Riley Arrington, also received a matching scholarship to continue her college career. All three scholars were very active in their local 4-H and FFA clubs, excelled in their schoolwork, gave willingly of their time as volunteers and were leaders in their chosen fields of endeavor.
Riley Arrington will continue her studies at Cisco College, transferring next year to Angelo State University for a BS in Animal Communications with Animal Rehabilitation minor. She continues to run her own animal physical therapy business part time, all while earning recognition in her studies and the rodeo program at CC.
McKenzie Evans attended Burnet High School gaining recognition for her 4-H and FFA leadership, Norman Borland Youth in Agriculture Program and student council activities. She is on her way to Texas A & M University to study ruminate embryology as a means to improve food production globally.
Weiss Stanley earned recognition through his many volunteer efforts with 4-H programs and Habitat For Humanity while receiving excellent grades being homeschooled. Weiss also showed livestock, became an accomplished pianist, dedicated Habitat volunteer and Master Gardener. He also served as team president, captain and registered coach of the award winning Stonehill 4-H Precision Rifle Team. Weiss will attend LeTourneau University Honors Program working towards a Civil Engineering degree.
While these three students all grew up in our community, they have chosen different pathways for their future. We were very impressed with their maturity, confidence and self-awareness. Our committee chose to award each student with a scholarship of $1500. Many thanks to the board and membership for their support of this gift to these students.
Three Scholars $1500 each
Riley Arrington attending Cisco College, transferring next year to Angelo State University.
- Dean’s list first semester with a 4.0
- Pathway to Animal Science BS with Animal Rehabilitation minor
- Continue to run her own animal therapy business part time
- Heavy activity in high school in 4H and FFA. Currently outstanding in rodeo program at Cisco College
- Texas Youth Livestock Ambassador Texas 4H
- Norman Borland Youth in Agriculture Program, including travel to Australia and Canada working to solve global food challenges.
- Texas FFA - Goat Production Proficiency State Champion
- Offices in 4H & FFA at local, district and state levels
- Active in Student Council and various other clubs
- Motivated to study reproduction and embryology as a means to improve food production globally. Focus on ruminants.
- Active member of 4H since 2015. Showing livestock from rabbits, turkeys to lambs and goats. 4H always includes volunteering as a part of their program.
- Weiss is also Team President, Team Captain and registered 4H Coach of the award winning Stonehill 4H Precision Rifle Team
- Highland Lakes Habitat for Humanity team
- Volunteered in HLMG gardens, 4H programs and matches
- Graduated with a 4.0 as well as being an Accomplished pianist, Jiu-Jitsu, leader in student led Bible Studies, Prayer Groups
- Civil Engineering. Highly motivated to use his Engineering to benefit the community, given his deep interest in horticulture and agriculture. Researched Hydrological, environmental and land development engineering allowing him to work in the agriculture context.
