Two Godley High School graduates were recognized for their academic achievement, leadership and service during the Johnson County Master Gardener Association's monthly meeting on June 15, 2026, at the Johnson County Extension Office.

Lila Heiner received the $2,000 Jack Rowland Scholarship, one of four scholarships presented annually by the Johnson County Master Gardener Association to graduating seniors from across Johnson County. The scholarship is named in honor of former Godley High School agricultural science teacher Jack Rowland.

Heiner graduated fifth in the Godley High School Class of 2026 and was an active member of the Godley FFA chapter, where she completed more than 200 hours of community service. She also was a member of the Ladycats volleyball team and worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor while in high school. According to the Johnson County Master Gardener Association, Heiner plans to attend Auburn University and pursue a career in dentistry.

Johnson County Master Gardener Scholarship Committee member Nancy Scoggin praised this year's scholarship recipients for their dedication to academics and service.

"These students were not only academically diligent," Scoggin said. "They were also heavily invested in and put lots of hours into community projects."

The association also honored Godley High School graduate Nola Briscoe with the $1,000 Plant, Soil, Science Scholarship.

Briscoe graduated fourth in her class and served as the Godley FFA chapter sentinel. Throughout high school, she was active in FFA leadership, career development events and community service while also excelling as a student-athlete. Earlier this year, she received a $10,000 National FFA Scholarship and a $1,500 Johnson County Livestock and Agricultural Association scholarship. Briscoe also earned Academic All-State honors in both volleyball and girls soccer.

The Plant, Soil, Science Scholarship was funded through proceeds from vegetables grown by students in Godley High School greenhouse classes and sold during the Johnson County Master Gardener Plant Sale in April. Students raised the vegetables from seed through a partnership with the Johnson County Master Gardener Association under the guidance of Master Gardeners Karen Singletary, Tracie Daugherty, Paula Snider and Roxanne Hanna.

Godley High School agricultural science teacher Lacey Bennett awarded the scholarship using proceeds from the annual plant sale. The greenhouse program provides students with hands-on experience in plant science, greenhouse management and horticulture while supporting scholarship opportunities for graduating seniors.

The Johnson County Master Gardener Association annually awards scholarships to graduating seniors who have demonstrated excellence in agriculture-related organizations, academics, leadership and community involvement. The organization also partners with Godley High School's agricultural science program to provide students with real-world learning experiences through the campus greenhouse.