The National Grocers Association Foundation, the charitable arm of the NGA, has awarded scholarships to 21 students pursuing education and careers connected to the independent grocery industry.
The 2026 recipients were selected for their academic achievement, leadership and commitment to careers in grocery retail and related fields. The foundation did not disclose the individual or total dollar value of the awards.
“Scholarships are one of the most meaningful ways the NGA Foundation can invest in the next generation of independent grocery leaders,” said Chelsea Matzen, vice president of the NGA Foundation. “We’re honored each year to support talented students who are committed to their communities and interested in building careers in our industry.”
Six students received Asparagus Club scholarships: Blaine Leyden, Briar Cliff University; Chingiz Bahadur, Marymount University; Hayden Kestner, the University of Virginia’s College at Wise; Kylie Shafer, Northwest Missouri State University; Marianna Drapas, the University of Virginia; and Mikayla Martin, Baylor University. Martin also received the Thomas K. Zaucha Award.
Brendan Ridge of Ashland University received the Buehler’s Ed & Helen Buehler Scholarship, while Caleb Smith of Stark State Community College received the Buehler’s People First Scholarship.
Other recipients included:
- Kaya M. Bullard, University of California, Berkeley — Charlie and Becky Bray Legacy Scholarship
- Abbie Thoman, Huntington University — Ecolab Women in Grocery Scholarship
- Christian Stauffer, Massachusetts Institute of Technology — ECRS Retail Technology Scholarship
- Veeramani Karuppuchamy, Ohio State University — ECRS Retail Technology Scholarship
- Abayomi Ogundana, Temple University — FMS “Profit Hound” Scholarship
- Hannah Highberger, University of Nebraska-Lincoln — FMS “Profit Hound” Scholarship
- Isabelle Rahn, Iowa State University — Kimberly-Clark Scholarship
- Elizabeth Sterling, University of Notre Dame — Mary Macey Legacy Scholarship
- Alex Wiltse, University of Northern Iowa — Peter & Jody Larkin Legacy Scholarship
- Isaac Gustashaw, Auburn University — Roger Collins Legacy Scholarship
- Rebecca Lynn Berry, University of Michigan — Ronnie Horton Legacy Scholarship, sponsored by Frontline Source Group
- Avary Zeisloft, University of Findlay — Women Grocers of America Scholarship
- Campbell Booth, University of Minnesota — Women Grocers of America Scholarship
Several recipients have direct connections to independent grocery businesses. Thoman has worked in her family’s Thoman’s IGA, which is marking its 75th anniversary, while Ridge has spent nearly three years working for Buehler’s. Wiltse said his education in business administration and finance will support his goal of building a career with Fareway.
Other recipients are preparing to address emerging industry needs. Bullard said she hopes to help independent grocers and underserved communities gain access to automation, predictive artificial intelligence and advanced data tools. Stauffer and Karuppuchamy received scholarships specifically supporting education in retail technology.
The scholarships are funded by companies, industry organizations, families and individuals, frequently in recognition of grocery executives and businesses. The NGA Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Grocers Association and supports workforce development, leadership training, business innovation and succession planning across the independent grocery sector.