Investing in the Future: House of Raeford Farms Awards College Scholarships to the Next Generation

Every year, as high school seniors and current college students prepare to take their next big step, House of Raeford Farms proudly stands behind the young people who represent the future of our communities. Through its 2026 college scholarship program, the company is honoring the hard work, ambition, and character of 26 students whose families help make House of Raeford what it is—employees, contract farmers, and the generations that follow them.

A Tradition Rooted in Gratitude

House of Raeford has long believed that strong communities grow from strong families. By extending scholarships to dependent children and grandchildren of company employees and contract farmers, House of Raeford reinforces a simple but powerful message: your family matters to us.

“Investing in our families is investing in our future,” says Bob Johnson, CEO & Owner of House of Raeford. “We’re proud to help these young people pursue their dreams.”

Supporting Students Who Are Ready to Lead

Each $2,500 scholarship award reflects a selection process that considers academic excellence, leadership qualities, involvement in school and community activities, honors, work experience, and personal statements of goals and aspirations.

These students represent a wide range of interests—agriculture, engineering, healthcare, business, education, and more—but they share a common thread: a drive to make a meaningful impact.

For many families, the scholarship eases the financial burden of higher education, allowing students to focus on learning, exploring, and building the foundation for their future careers.  Since its inception, the House of Raeford Farms Scholarship fund has awarded a total of $602,500 to 241 students across six states.

Looking Ahead

As our company continues to grow, so does its dedication to supporting education and opportunity. House of Raeford proudly congratulates the following 2026 scholarship recipients and celebrates their impending academic journeys:

• Anna Thornton, daughter of Allan Thornton, House of Raeford Farmer – Arcadia division attending Mississippi State University.
• Sage Tolar, daughter of Chad Tolar, House of Raeford Farmer – Arcadia division attending Southwest Mississippi Community College.
• Hudson Paul, son of Jeremy Paul of the Arcadia division attending Louisiana Tech University.
• Jasey Gantt, daughter of Jason Gantt, House of Raeford Farmer – Arcadia division attending Bossier Parish Community College.
• Katelyn Barnett, daughter of Rebekah Barnett, House of Raeford Farmer – Arcadia division attending Louisiana Tech University.
• Turner Thomas, son of Allen Thomas of the Filet of Chicken division attending Appalachian State University.
• Haylee Avila, granddaughter of Jesus Olivares Torres of the Greenville division attending Texas A&M University.
• Morgan Arterburn, daughter of Michelle Arterburn of the Greenville division attending Clemson University.
• Daria Chavis, stepdaughter of Micah Brewington – House of Raeford Farmer – Johnson Breeders division attending East Carolina University.
• Timothy Strickland, son of Charlie Weeks of the Johnson Breeders division attending Southeastern Community College.
• Rohan Chandrashekhar, son of Chandrashekhar Chikkakalbalu, House of Raeford Farmer – Oglethorpe division attending Medical College of Georgia.
• Julia Floyd, daughter of Lonie Floyd of the Oglethorpe division attending Tuskegee University.
• Mason Goodin, son of Richard Goodin of the Oglethorpe division attending Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.
• Christopher Nolan, son of Chris Nolan of the Raeford Foods division attending Belmont Abbey College.
• Brian Gutierrez, son of Carlos Gutierrez Pozadas of the Rose Hill division attending Sampson Community College.
• Jacqueline Reyes Gonzales, daughter of Rolando Reyes of the Rose Hill division attending University of North Carolina.
• Jakale Powell, grandson of Jeanette Kendrick of the Vienna division attending Central Georgia Technical College.
• Kimora Odom, daughter of Ursala Shae of the Vienna division attending Kennesaw State University.
• Max Pridgen, son of Donald Pridgen of the Vienna division attending Georgia Southern University.
• Tamia Ming, daughter of Sharhonda Paul of the Vienna division attending Fort Valley State University.
• Jarkerious Bolden, son of Avious Bolden of the Vienna division attending Point University.
• Da’Maria Smith, daughter of Tamara Green of the Vienna division attending Albany State University.
• Jocelyn Presley, granddaughter of Cynthia Daniels of the Vienna division attending Fort Valley State University.
• Jacob Davis, son of Jason Davis of the Wallace division attending North Carolina State University.
• Brenda Serrano Ramos, daughter of Jeny Ramos Licona of the Wallace division attending North Carolina State University.
• Xadrian Brown, son of Tierra Collins of the West Columbia division attending Midlands Technical College.

House of Raeford employees, contract farmers, and their families are encouraged to visit the Scholarship Page on House of Raeford’s website for more information on applying for next year’s scholarships, which will open in January 2027.