The Milton Community Foundation (MCF) and John Potocki of Salon Milton are proud to announce the Gladys Wilkins Seeding the Future Scholarship Fund. Four scholarships of $3,000 each will be awarded to a student in Sussex County, Delaware who wishes to pursue a career in sustainable agriculture.

The MCF is currently accepting applications from Sussex County high school seniors, as well as Sussex County high school graduates currently attending a college or university in the field of agricultural science. Deadline to apply is June 15, 2018.

Applicants must be residents of Sussex County, Delaware, and must show proof they plan to pursue studies in agriculture at a college or university level. Applicants must also submit transcripts showing they’ve maintained a B average or higher in middle and high school levels. To apply, submit a brief essay (350-500 words) about why you believe you’re the best candidate for the award, and why agriculture is important to you. Be sure to include your full name, address, telephone number and at least two references. Send your application to jbpotocki@aol.com.

Gladys Wilkins was born and raised in Milton, in the farmhouse she called home until her death in December 2013. The house is a classic Sussex County farmhouse, sturdy and strong just like Gladys. In winter the home was heated by wood stove in the kitchen and coal in the living room. In summer, there was no air conditioning, windows were opened for nature’s own cooling. A long dirt lane leads to the farmhouse, which is surrounded by land once farmed by Gladys and her husband Norman. The couple also operated a school bus. Agriculture was very important to Gladys, who believed in an honest day’s work and good, clean living. She was quick with a joke, remembered everyone’s name and, usually, a little story about everyone she knew. Her clutch of chickens was almost as famous as she was. A dozen eggs from Gladys’ prized hens fetched hundreds of dollars each year at the Milton Historical Society fundraiser.