Each year, the Irrigation Association’s Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra Scholarship program recognizes a group of exceptional students whose passion, dedication and potential reflect a bright future for the irrigation industry. In this special Q&A series, Irrigation & Lighting introduces the 2026 scholarship recipients. These outstanding individuals are already making an impression through their academic achievements, professional goals and commitment to advancing water-efficient practices.
Get to know these emerging leaders as they share their perspectives, inspirations and aspirations, offering a glimpse into the talent and enthusiasm shaping the next generation of our industry.
Carter Peters
Kansas State University
What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?
Receiving the Anthony “Tony” LaFetra scholarship is a great reminder that dedication and continuous effort are recognized. I possess several educational goals, such as developing knowledge and skills,s to positively impact my occupational desires. This scholarship helps me take an important step towards reaching those goals, while also diminishing my financial burden.
What are your future plans in the irrigation or broader industry?
My aspirational plans in the field of irrigation correlate greatly with the assistance of consumers. I want to learn every day how I can help teach homeowners, as well as other professionals, water conservation practices and ideal irrigation management. Improper water management is one of the greatest reasons that landscapes fail, so I plan to relay my knowledge to others to not only beautify their sites, but to conserve water.
What sparked your interest in this field?
My passion for irrigation coexists with my passion for turfgrass management. This all began when I started golfing in high school and witnessed beautiful courses with sprinklers shooting out one-hundred feet throughout the fairways. I’ve always appreciated the scenery of the world and golf courses, as well as many landscapes, are primarily beautified by water. This is really what caught my attention to the industry of irrigation.
What advice or encouragement would you give to others exploring this career path?
I would strongly encourage individuals who like hands-on operations and a desire to help others to experiment with this industry. Irrigation is such a misunderstood area in agriculture, especially horticulture. Knowledgeable irrigation specialists are a must in today’s world as they set the foundation for beautiful neighborhoods and ultimately a sustainable society!
