IA celebrates 2025 scholarship winners

Avery Pope 

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign  

What does receiving this scholarship mean to you? 

It is an incredible honor to have been selected as the Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra scholarship recipient, and I am truly grateful for having this opportunity. This scholarship not only provides financial support for me academically, but also serves as validation of the hard work, dedication, and potential I have within the irrigation industry.  

What are your future plans in the irrigation or broader  industry? 

While I am still exploring my exact career path, I am looking forward to finding a profession that integrates irrigation with agronomy. I am particularly interested in using efficient and sustainable water management practices that will best suit plant growth, leading to higher yields and improved crop quality.  

What sparked your interest in this field? 

My interest in this specific area of agriculture stems directly from my family roots, where I have watched them work endless hours to provide crops and resources to the world. This has made me become very passionate about growing food efficiently and responsibly, and I believe using sustainable agriculture practices will help contribute to ensure these crops will grow proficiently while having a positive environmental impact.  

What advice or encouragement would you give to others exploring this career path? 

Irrigation is not just about giving crops nourishment, it’s about using innovative technology and practical solutions to support agriculture as a whole, while also conserving vital resources. We can gain hands on experience and help solve real world challenges while collaborating with farmers and working closely with individuals in the agriculture industry. There are so many opportunities within this career path, and I guarantee you will find a route you are able to take that you will enjoy while making a real-world impact.