2025

Two Farmingdale State College students awarded the 2025 Nelson Sterner/Bayard Cutting Arboretum Horticultural Society (BCAHS) Scholarship

by Doreen Monteleone

This year, four outstanding Farmingdale students were recognized in the Nelson

Sterner/BCAHS Scholarship competition. Victoria Donahue and Marlaina Molinari were awarded $1,000 each, and as runners-up, Kelly Parsley and Elizabeth Scianno were awarded $500 each. All four were also given complimentary BCAHS memberships through 2026.

VICTORIA DONAHUE is working towards a Bachelor of Technology in Horticulture

Technology Management and would like to work in greenhouse or nursery production. She interned in the Farmingdale teaching gardens and works in its greenhouse. Her goal is to help grow healthy, sustainable plants while contributing to environmentally responsible practices. Long-term, she hopes to take on a leadership role to mentor others and help improve operations within the industry.

MARLAINA MONINARI is planning on a Bachelor in Horticulture Technology Management and plans on working toward an ISA Arborist Certification, followed by the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification. She wants to work in public horticulture because bringing education and awareness of the importance of these spaces to the public is an invaluable service. Marlaina has interned and worked at BCA.

KELLY PARSLEY is anticipating a degree in Horticultural Management and Architectural Engineering. Her goal is to work in the field of biophilic design, integrating nature into the built environment by harmonizing horticultural science with architectural and engineering principles. She aspires to establish her own business dedicated to creating, engineering, and nurturing biophilic structures and spaces.

ELIZABETH SCIANNO is expecting an Associates in Horticulture with certificate in

Ornamental Studies. While a student, she is also Grounds Supervisor for Girls in the Garden, a private garden design and maintenance company serving the Bellport Village and Hamptons area. She has a strong passion for garden design, hand pruning, and sustainable landscaping.

Former BCA Executive Director & Farmingdale professor Nelson Sterner judged the competition. He commented, “I’m pleased to be able to award these four outstanding students and am looking forward to seeing the future accomplishments of this impressive group.”

PAST SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

2024

BRENDAN BUTLER

Is working towards an Associate Degree in Applied Science and majoring in General Horticulture. His goal is to work close to nature in a national park, state forest or other similar landscape. Brendan is known to be an exemplary student with a stellar personality and leadership skills. He is an active volunteer at the Farmingdale State College and helps to run its annual plant sale. Brendan expects to graduate in May 2025.

TIMOTHY LANGONE

was awarded for the second time and is working toward a Bachelor of Technology Degree, majoring in Horticultural Technology Management. His interest is in ornamental horticulture and design towards managing a public garden. Tim is an impressive student and is on the Dean’s and President’s List at Farmingdale. He is an active participant and contributor to the Horticulture Club where he has led plant identification walks on campus. Tim has been an intern at Bayard Cutting Arboretum, worked at Hicks Nurseries and is currently employed at Old Westbury Gardens. He expects to graduate in May 2025.

2023

 SARA HENNESSY and AUTUMN HARRISON are both are fourth year students at Farmingdale majoring in Horticultural Science. 

2022

TIMOTHY LANGONE

 a highly qualified student, to be awarded the first "Nelson Sterner/BCAHS" scholarship. Tim is a wonderful and dedicated student who maintains a 4.0 GPA and will be beginning his second year this upcoming fall. In his relatively short time at Farmingdale he has made a positive impact their department and gardens.