Meet Grace Torsch, an 18-year-old senior from Montague High School, whose journey into entrepreneurship began with a simple observation: there was a pressing need for reliable gardening services in her community. In 2023, Grace launched Grace’s Garden Maintenance, a venture that not only beautifies outdoor spaces, but also enriches her life and the lives of her clients. It’s remarkable how she turned a need into a thriving business, proving that hard work and a little creativity can blossom into extraordinary opportunities.

Grace’s entrepreneurial spirit truly shines through her meticulous work ethic. After participating in a community service project, she identified a gap in the gardening market and decided to fill it. Equipped with just a five-gallon bucket filled with essential tools, a trusty pair of pruning shears and her signature John Deere hat, Grace set out to transform gardens both for homeowners and local businesses. Her clients can’t help but appreciate her attention to detail, whether she’s weeding a flower bed or trimming hedges with precision. For Grace, gardening is more than just a job—it’s a daily opportunity to reconnect with nature and her community.

Running her own business has taught Grace invaluable lessons, particularly the importance of communication. From making phone calls to address client needs or jotting down preferences, her journey has illustrated that effective communication is key to any successful venture. Grace has deliberately kept her business small and personal, valuing the friendships she’s formed with her clients. In an age where everything moves quickly, she takes the time to listen, learn and execute each job with care, ensuring every nook and cranny of her clients’ gardens receives dedicated care.

Beyond just tending to gardens, Grace is dedicated to enriching her own educational journey. After high school, she plans to major in Applied Mathematics at Hillsdale College.

The Michigan FFA Star in Agriscience Award celebrates outstanding students in agribusiness and agriculture who exemplify leadership, innovation and dedication to their craft. Grace joins fellow finalists Rayne Guza from the Ubly FFA Chapter and Klaire Reibling from the Laker FFA Chapter, all of whom have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their respective fields.

As we celebrate Grace Torsch and her remarkable achievements, let’s also recognize the importance of supporting passionate young leaders in agriculture. By investing in the Michigan FFA Foundation, you can help nurture students like Grace, ensuring they have the resources to continue their journeys toward greatness.