5 Recent Grads Receive $1,000 Will Putnam Scholarships
by SHAYLYNN MARKS
The Polk County Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee awarded the Will Putnam Young Farmer and Rancher Scholarship to five recent high school graduates pursuing higher education in agriculture. Named in memory of longtime ag advocate Will Putnam, the scholarship supports students who demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and a clear passion for the field.
Applicants submitted essays on “Why I want a career in agriculture,” which were reviewed by local ag leaders. This year’s recipients received $1,000 each. Clayton Keene, Isabella Hough, Weslee Howell, Emily Cason, and Nala Day represent a wide range of interests, from agribusiness and marketing to veterinary science and equipment operations, showcasing the diversity of careers in modern ag.
Turning Agribusiness Into Opportunity for Florida Farmers
For Nala Day, a career in agriculture didn’t start as a clear path — but once she began showing livestock in sixth grade, it quickly became her passion.
“It felt like it ran through my blood,” she says.
Inspired by her older brother’s involvement at the Polk County Youth Fair, Day joined FFA and found her place in the ag community at Lake Gibson High School. Now, she’s preparing to attend Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Georgia to major in agribusiness. She aspires to earn a real estate license and help farmers and ranchers access land and resources.
“Don’t underestimate yourself. Know your strengths and know how to use them,” she says. “Get out there and talk to people. That’s what helped me — talking to the farmers and ranchers in my community, going to alumni meetings, and just being involved.”
From Shy Student to Ag Marketing Visionary
Emily Cason’s passion for agriculture formed after she moved in with her grandparents and began showing a leased calf. That seventh-grade experience led her to raise her own show heifers and join organizations like the Florida Junior Angus Association.
“I was on the county marketing team. We made an app that delivered livestock products,” she says. “That’s when I realized — maybe this is what I want to do.”
After graduating from Victory Christian Academy, Cason is now working on her associate degree at Hillsborough Community College with plans to major in agribusiness and minor in marketing.
“Step out of your comfort zone,” she adds. “I used to be shy. I didn’t talk to anyone. But I’ve made friends all over the state through this.”
Stepping out of her shell changed her life.
“If you’re thinking about ag, get involved. You never know where it’ll take you.”
A Future in Vet Medicine Fueled by FFA
For Isabella Hough, FFA became a life-changing experience. She joined in sixth grade and immersed herself in leadership roles, eventually serving as her chapter’s vice president and showing livestock.
“It all connected — animals, land and community,” she says.
She will attend Auburn University and aspires to pursue a career as a large animal veterinarian or livestock feed sales representative.
Deeply aware of the shortage of large animal veterinarians in Florida, Hough hopes to return to her home state after graduation and serve in underserved communities. She encourages others to give ag a chance.
“When I talk about FFA or ag, people jump straight to animals,” she says. “But FFA is for everyone. No matter who you are or where you come from, there’s a spot for you. Just jump in — you’ll find the love for it like I did.”
Passionate About Production, Ready to Operate
As a fourth-generation Florida agriculturist, Weslee Howell has deep roots in the field. His long-held intrigue has inspired him to pursue agricultural operations management at the University of Florida to work in heavy equipment sales.
“It’s always been something I’ve had a passion for,” he says. “Even when I was showing cows, I was more interested in the production side of things.”
Howell enjoys the behind-the-scenes processes that keep operations running smoothly.
“Being able to step back and study the systems behind how everything works really interests me,” he says.
A major turning point came when he transferred school districts before his senior year to attend Lake Gibson High School for its strong ag program.
He knows firsthand the value of embracing change: “Take the first step. Even if it’s hard, it might be the path you’re meant to take.”
From the Show Ring to State Leadership and Beyond
Clayton Keene credits his family — and one leased heifer — for launching his ag journey. From his first FFA class in sixth grade to becoming a Florida FFA state officer, he has embraced every opportunity.
“I tried to do anything and everything I could,” he said. “And I always wanted to be an advocate for our industry.”
After a gap year to fulfill his officer duties, Keene plans to study agribusiness management and beef production at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.
“It’s better to try and learn from the experience than to always wonder what could’ve happened,” he adds. “Try everything you can. Agriculture has a place for everyone — you just have to step in and find it.”
That mindset continues to drive his passion for involvement and leadership in the field.
Plans in Motion
Each of these students brings something different to the table, yet all share a common drive to serve, grow and innovate within the agricultural world. With the support of the Will Putnam Scholarship combined with their drive and determination, those ambitions will soon become reality.