Lawrence & Randolph County Chambers Announce 2026 Ag Appreciation Expo Scholarship Recipients

LAWRENCE & RANDOLPH COUNTIES, AR — The Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce and the Randolph County Chamber of Commerce are proud to jointly announce the recipients of the 2026 Ag Appreciation Expo Scholarships, awarded to outstanding students pursuing futures connected to agriculture and rural development.

The Ag Appreciation Expo is a collaborative effort between both Chambers and is guided by dedicated committees made up of each organization’s executive directors, board officers, local business leaders, and agents from the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service in both counties. Together, these leaders work to invest in the next generation of agricultural professionals and advocates.

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2026 Scholarship Recipients

Lawrence County Recipients:

• Brogan Tate, Senior, Lawrence County School District (Walnut Ridge)
  Brogan plans to earn a degree in Agribusiness and pursue a career as a farm manager and/or agricultural technology specialist. His focus is on applying emerging innovations and technology to strengthen local farming operations in Lawrence County.
• Breanna Burrow, 2025 Graduate of Hillcrest High School; Freshman, Southern Arkansas University
  Breanna is pursuing a degree in Animal Science with plans to attend veterinary school and specialize in large animal medicine. She aims to support livestock producers, promote sustainable agriculture, and provide education and outreach within rural communities.

Randolph County Recipients:

• Mathias Alexander Duran, Senior, Pocahontas High School
  Mathias plans to study civil engineering with a focus on infrastructure, water systems, and land development. His goal is to support agriculture and rural communities by improving essential systems that farmers rely on daily.
• Roxie Shoe, Senior, Pocahontas High School
  Roxie intends to earn a degree in agricultural business with a pre-law emphasis before attending law school to become an agricultural attorney. She is passionate about advocating for farmers and protecting family farm operations through policy, law, and education.

Supporting the Future of Agriculture

“These students represent exactly why this scholarship matters,” said Terrence Ward, Executive Director of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce. “Each of them has a clear vision for how they want to serve agriculture and rural communities. That kind of purpose, paired with education, creates a future where our farms, businesses, and communities continue to grow stronger.”

Ann Savage, Executive Director of the Randolph County Chamber of Commerce, added, “What stands out most about these recipients is their commitment to coming back and making a difference. Whether it’s through engineering, veterinary medicine, law, or agribusiness, they are choosing paths that directly impact the sustainability and success of agriculture in our region.”

The Ag Appreciation Expo Scholarship reflects the Chambers’ shared commitment to workforce development, education, and the long-term vitality of agriculture across both counties. By investing in students who are passionate about agriculture and rural life, the program helps ensure that the industry remains strong for generations to come.

For more information about the Ag Appreciation Expo and future scholarship opportunities, please contact the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce or the Randolph County Chamber of Commerce.