NORTH CAROLINA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 2026 FOREST EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION FUND SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

RALEIGH, NC (April 23, 2026) – The North Carolina Forestry Association (NCFA) is proud to announce this year’s recipients of the Forest Education and Conservation Fund (FECF) Scholarship:

Sander King, North Carolina State University ($2,000)

(Nicholas M. Curtis Memorial Scholarship Endowment)

Alec Jarzabkowski, North Carolina State University ($2,000)

Rachel Blinn, Haywood Community College ($1,000)

Arika Abbott, Montgomery Community College ($1,000)

Sander King is a junior in the Forest Production Program at North Carolina State University (NCSU). King enjoys many aspects of forestry, and is particularly interested in forestry consulting, large-scale intensive pine management, and the integration of new technologies such as drones and remote sensing. “Upon graduation, I envision myself working with a REIT or TIMO, a consulting firm, or in procurement and would one day like to own my own forestry consulting business,” said King.

Alec Jarzabkowski is a junior double-majoring in Forest Management and Plant Biology with a minor in Business Administration at NCSU. Jarzabkowski is interested in forest health and is currently an undergraduate researcher in the forest health lab at NCSU, where he processes cones and seeds from a variety of tree species. “As I enter my final year at [NCSU], I’d like to become more deeply involved with the world of forestry through my continued research, professional development opportunities, and…involvement in forestry-related clubs,” said Jarzabkowski.

Rachel Blinn has identified personal goals related to forestry while pursuing a Forest Management Technology degree at Haywood Community College. She is specifically interested in consulting forestry to help landowners achieve their objectives and in becoming a wildland firefighter. She also sees forestry as an opportunity to help others. “I [am] interested in opening a rehab that combines aspects of forestry to help people…through their recovery journey,” said Blinn.

Arika Abbott’s passion for forestry was sparked in the 7^th grade when she joined a North Carolina Envirothon team and began pursuing the idea of a career in forestry at this age. Abbott is pursuing a degree in Forest Management Technology at Montgomery Community College. “Since I was young, I have loved spending time outdoors…those early experiences helped shape my curiosity about the natural world and strengthened my appreciation for the role forests and ecosystems play in our daily lives,” said Abbott.

“On behalf of the North Carolina Forestry Association and the Forest Education and Conservation Fund, I’d like to congratulate this year’s scholarship recipients,” said John Hatcher, PhD, executive director, North Carolina Forestry Association. “Our organization’s mission is to ensure healthy, productive, and sustainable forests, and that starts with fostering the next generation of forestry professionals who will contribute to this mission. We wish the best of luck as these students continue in their academic endeavors.”

About the FECF Scholarship Program

To be eligible for the FECF scholarship program, students must be residents of North Carolina enrolled in one of the following institutions: North Carolina State University (NCSU), Haywood Community College, Montgomery Community College, or Wayne Community College. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, pursuing a degree in forest management or paper science and engineering in the College of Natural Resources at NCSU, or forest management technology at one of the aforementioned community colleges.

The Nicholas M. Curtis Memorial Scholarship Endowment was recently established to honor the late Nicholas Maxwell Curtis, a U.S. Army veteran who lived a life committed to sustainable forestry and helping others. His memory is honored by this Endowment through the FECF. The goal of the scholarship is to help ease the financial burdens of NCSU students who are pursuing a degree in forest management.

ABOUT THE NORTH CAROLINA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION (NCFA)

The North Carolina Forestry Association (NCFA) is a private, non-profit partnership of approximately 4,000 forest managers, landowners, forest products manufacturers, loggers, educators, students, and others concerned about the long-term health and productivity of the state’s forest resources and the industries they support. Established in 1911, the NCFA is the state’s oldest forest conservation organization, with a mission to ensure healthy, productive, and sustainable forests. Learn more: www.ncforestry.org

ABOUT THE FOREST EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION FUND (FECF)

The Forest Education and Conservation Fund (FECF) was founded in 1965 as an extension of the NCFA. The FECF was established to receive gifts for the educational, scientific, and technological advancement of forestry. Though recognized as separate entities, both the FECF and NCFA are adjoined in the goal of conducting coordinated programs and activities that amplify the voice of forestry across North Carolina.

Media Contact:

Jeanne Harmor, Director of Communications

North Carolina Forestry Association

jharmor@ncforestry.org

(919) 834-3943 ext. 5