The Frank Genovese Memorial Scholarship Application will be offered to five students this year. These five students will receive $1000 to be used to further their education in an agriculture related field. Requirements: recipients must have parents or guardians who are Oakland County Farm Bureau members. If applicant is over 21 years of age, they must have their own membership. While they must have an Oakland County Farm Bureau membership, it is not required that they live in Oakland County.
Applicant must be a graduating senior or post-secondary student who is enrolling or is currently enrolled in an agriculture, natural resource or veterinary program.
This year, winners of the Frank Genovese Memorial Scholarship will be announced during the Oakland County Fair. Winners will be notified to appear at the fair to receive the scholarship. Once proof of enrollment in a college or trade school in an agricultural related field is provided, the funds will be released to winner.
Mr. Genovese served as a board member of the Oakland County Farm Bureau for over 20 years. He owned the Candy Cane CHRISTmas Tree Farm in Oxford, Michigan. Frank loved his trees, but more than anything, he loved his vegetable garden. His greatest love was sharing his gardening knowledge with others, from young children to senior citizens. He inspired hundreds of people to plant their own gardens through classes he taught which were sponsored by Oakland Country Farm Bureau.
Additionally, he taught volunteers from St. Anne Church in Ortonville in his own garden with the assistance of the Knights of Columbus, of which he was a member. The end purpose was to learn and then take the produce they raised and donate any funds and/or vegetables to OCEF, the local food pantry.
While his degree and day job were in the criminal justice field, he enjoyed farming even more, reaching out to share his knowledge at every opportunity. With that knowledge and love of gardening he led several neighborhood vegetable gardening clubs, including some in the city of Detroit.
Frank’s mission in life was always helping others and spreading the love of God. When he sold his trees, he educated the buyers on planting methods. As a board member of the Michigan Christmas Tree Association, he mentored other growers. On the Brandon Twp. Library Board, he served to help spread knowledge.
His wife and sons continue to serve in the agriculture community, hoping to spread Frank’s enthusiasm and example.
Mr. Genovese passed away in November 2018. He would be proud to know you are interested in a phase of agriculture, whatever that may be.
Please read the application before answering questions. Please limit your answers to the guidelines provided. All applications must be completed by filling in the application below in the space provided. Completed applications must be emailed to [email protected]. Handwritten applications will not be accepted.
Application Due Date: April 30, 2024
Email address: [email protected].
Any questions can be directed to the OCFB office at (248) 889-6100.
This year, winners of the Frank Genovese Memorial Scholarship will be announced during the Oakland County Fair. Winners will be notified to appear at the fair to receive the scholarship. Once proof of enrollment in a college or trade school in an agricultural related field is provided, the funds will be released to winner.
Please click on the pdf below to retrieve the fillable application.