Rabbit Valley Farmers Market has awarded scholarships to two Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) students for the fall 2026 semester.
“We are excited to continue our support of GNTC’s Culinary Arts and Horticulture programs and look forward to continuing our partnership,” said scholarship donor Samantha Leslie, executive director of the Rabbit Valley Farmers Market (RVFM) in downtown Ringgold. “We believe supporting our community, its youth and its educational opportunities is at the forefront of Rabbit Valley’s mission. We look forward to expanding our support and partnerships in the future.”
The Rabbit Valley Farmers Market Culinary Scholarship assists Culinary Arts students with equipment costs incurred at the beginning of the program and may also be used for tuition, fees or other educational expenses. This scholarship was awarded to Kelvin Padilla, a Rome resident who studies Culinary Arts at GNTC’s Floyd County Campus in Rome.
The Rabbit Valley Farmers Market Horticulture Scholarship was established to provide financial support to Horticulture students planning a career related to environmental issues, farming, floral design, gardening, horticulture or landscape design. The scholarship has been awarded to Rome resident Isabel Melton. Melton is a Horticulture student at GNTC’s Floyd County Campus.
“Support from the Rabbit Valley Farmers Market enables our Horticulture and Culinary Arts students to achieve their educational goals,” said Lauretta Hannon, executive director of Institutional Advancement at GNTC. “RVFM is doing so many wonderful things in the community, and we treasure our ongoing partnership with them.”
The Rabbit Valley Farmers Market is open on Saturdays during the spring and summer season at 7484 Nashville St. in downtown Ringgold. Local vendors sell produce, meats, cheeses, soaps, candles, bread, homemade goods and more, Leslie said.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College delivers high-quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students can pursue associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in a wide range of career pathways, including aviation, business, health, industrial and public service. Over the past year, 14,082 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. The college has an annual credit enrollment of 9,342 students and achieved a 100 percent placement rate. An additional 4,740 individuals are served through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start® programs.