2024 Scholarship

The 2024 Scholarship Program Awards totaling $10,000 to students for assistance in wine and winery education, internship or field study in Texas, research work as it pertains to grape growing, and wine making in the state of Texas.

“The WST is proud to have now provided scholarships of over $126,000 in the last 22 years  through our Scholarship Program.”

— Shirley Choate, State President of the WST

Recipients

Holly Ollis

Antoinette Landragin

Michael Cook

Daniel Hillin

Mikayla Lively

Amanda Miller

  • Mrs. Ollis is currently working towards a Bachelor of Science Degree: Plant and Soil Science at Texas Tech University, concentrating on Viticulture and Enology. In addition to her studies at Tech she currently works as a Tasting Room Ambassador at Pedernales Cellars.

    Her goal is to become an assistant winemaker immediately after graduation at one of the Texas wineries. She also would like to obtain her WSET Level 2 Certification and ultimately obtain both a CSW and CWE Certification. She plans to graduate in December 2025 and currently has a 3.8 grade point average in her Texas Tech course work.

  • Ms. Landragin is currently enrolled in the online Viticulture Certification Program at Texas Tech. Ms. Landragin is currently CEO at Cork and Fork in Washington DC. After 20 years in the retail business, she now plans to focus on viticulture in Texas. Long term she would like to open a vineyard in the Texas Hill country.

    As a wine retailer she has represented Texas wines for over 10 years through her relationship with Kim McPherson. She has also accumulated various industry certifications over that period. Currently she is also pursuing a Master of Wine Certification.

  • Mr. Cook is a full-time Extension Viticulturist completing his PHD in horticulture at Texas A&M University. Mr. Cook obtained his BS degree from Texas A&M and his Masters degree from Fresno State University. With all his duties as a program specialist he continues to maintain a 4.0 GPA. He serves on several boards and has authored numerous publications. In addition, he has received numerous awards and honors over the last 10 years from various organizations. Mr. Cook was a 2023 Wine Society of Texas scholarship recipient.

  • Mr. Hillin is currently a Viticulture Program Specialist and a PHD student specializing in viticulture. at Texas A&M. Daniel received a double  Bachelor of Science degree in Plant and Environmental Soil Sciences and Animal Science and Master of Science in Horticulture from Texas A&M. Mr. Hillin served in the U.S Marine Corp before pursuing his advanced education. He has also served as vineyard manager for the Texas A&M research vineyard for three years.

  • Ms. Lively is in her senior year at Texas Tech pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Viticulture and Enology and a minor in Business. She currently services as Tasting Room Associate for McPherson Cellars and has just obtained her WSET Level 2 Certification. She also plans to take her Court of Master Sommelier Level 1 exam at the end of the year. Upon graduation, she plans to start developing her own wine brand.

  • Ms. Miller is in her senior year currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Viticulture and Enology. She also holds an Associate of Science degree from Collin College in Plano. In addition to earning her degree she plans to obtain her Wine Marketing Certificate at the end of the year. In addition to her studies, she holds the position of President of the student wine club at the university.