The New York State Horticultural Society has announced the 2022 award recipients for the Paul Baker Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship awardees receive $500 scholarship each to be used towards their college/trade school expenses. Each year there is the opportunity for three students to receive this award from 4 different school districts on Niagara County. 

Paul Baker worked in the Agricultural industry in one capacity or another his whole life. Before he passed, he had been the Executor Director of the NYS Horticultural Society for over 16 years. Paul Baker was an outstanding spokesman for the fruit and vegetable farmers of NY. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. The NYSHS BOD, and Paul’s family, are so proud to be able to continue his legacy through this scholarship.

The Paul Baker Memorial Scholarship winners for 2022 are Abigail Hurtgam and Grace Johnson, both from Ransomville, NY. .

Abigail Hurtgam will be graduating from Wilson Central School in Wilson, NY. She will be attending Cornell University in the fall to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Science. After college Abby plans on taking over her family’s farm, Hurtgam Farms, and will also continue to run her cut flower business, “Cut Flowers by Abby”. Her goal is to become a hardworking, successful business owner that will allow her to bring quality produce and products to her community.

 NYSHS would like to congratulate Abigail for all her hard work throughout her High School career and to wish her all the best in her future educational and work careers.

For more information about the Paul Baker Memorial Scholarship, please visit NYSHS.org for eligibility requirements and an application form or by contacting Karen Wilson, Business Manager at NYSHS@hotmail.com