California table grape growers award 10 scholarships
Six scholarships are being awarded to children of table grape field workers: three $20,000 scholarships to four-year universities and three $3,500 scholarships to two-year schools (trade school, community or junior college). Four $20,000 scholarships to four-year universities are being awarded to students majoring in agricultural business, science, technology or a related field.
For more than 25 years, California's table grape growers have funded a worker-focused scholarship program. The program has awarded over 100 scholarships to field workers and their children from the table grape growing regions in California. Last year scholarships were added for students who will pursue careers in agriculture. The agriculture scholarships are not limited to table grape field workers.
“California’s table grape growers are pleased to encourage the goals of higher education through scholarship funding. It’s one of the many ways in which growers support education in their local communities,” said Kathleen Nave, commission president.
The commission is pleased to announce the 2013 scholarship winners:
$20,000 Four-year Field Worker Scholarship Recipients
Ms. Esperanza Botello is a student at Orange Cove High School, where she ranked at the top of her graduating class with a weighted GPA of 4.21. Esperanza served as a school board student representative and participated in Cheer, Upward Bound and College Club. Esperanza’s volunteer work included tutoring middle school students, working at a thrift store, cleaning senior citizens’ homes and beautifying Reedley Trail. Esperanza will be the first in her family to attend college and will attend UC Irvine and hopes to one day own a business.
Ms. Maria Castro is a student at Robert F. Kennedy High School in Delano, where she achieved a weighted GPA of 4.61. Maria became a two-time first place winner in the State Migrant Speech Competition and was an active member of her school’s Mock Trial, Speech and Debate, and Key Clubs. Maria spent time after school tutoring elementary school students. Maria is planning to attend UC Merced and major in political science.
Mr. Alvaro Jimenez is a student at Delano High School, where he achieved a weighted GPA of 4.60 and was named an AP Scholar. Alvaro was a member of varsity band, the baseball team, the Ivy League California University Club, and the National Honors Society. Alvaro’s percussion skills helped his school earned two first place music awards and he was named student of the month more than 15 times. Alvaro is planning to attend the University of Southern California and major in biological sciences, with the long-term career goal of becoming a doctor.
$3,500 Two-year Field Worker Scholarship Recipients
Mr. Oscar Martinez is a student at Foothill High School in Bakersfield where he was a member of the soccer team. Oscar’s schooling included training at the Regional Occupational Center where he learned hands-on about engines, electricity, air conditioning and welding. Oscar plans to attend the Universal Technical Institute in Bakersfield to earn a certificate in auto diesel mechanics.
Mr. Gabino Perez, Jr. is a student at Cesar E. Chavez High School in Delano, where he was a member of the band and served as a school tutor and a volunteer at The Center on Race, Poverty and the Environment. Gabino plans to attend Bakersfield College to earn a certified radiological technologist certificate with the longterm
goal of becoming a physician’s assistant and opening a clinic in his home town.
Mr. Juan Saldana is a student at Fowler High School, where he played soccer and participated in Future Farmers of America (FFA). At the 2012 Big Fresno Fair, Juan was awarded two second place ribbons: one for an animal he entered and the other for an anvil he created in his welding class. Juan will be the first in his family to attend college and will enroll in Reedley College with a goal of becoming an engineer.
$20,000 Four-year Agriculture Scholarship Recipients
Ms. Angelica Aldana is a student at Bakersfield High School where she achieved a weighted GPA of 3.75. Angelica was an active FFA member, where she earned the State FFA Degree, was awarded the Star Greenhand Award and was selected as the FFA Committee Chair. Angelica served as class treasurer her freshman and sophomore years and was a member of Link Crew, a club that provides support to incoming freshman. Angelica plans to attend Fresno State University and will major in agricultural business to become an agriculture policy analyst with the goal of working for the USDA.
Mr. Oscar Alvarez is a student at Arvin High School where he achieved a 3.66 weighted GPA. Juan is an active FFA member where he participated in competitions designed to improve leadership skills and agricultural education. Oscar was named Livestock Committee Chair and was the first Arvin High student in more than 25 years to hold an office position at the FFA Sectional Level. Oscar mentored freshman through his school’s Link Crew Club, participated in community clean-ups, and was the volunteer manager for his school’s farm. Oscar will be the first in his family to attend college. Oscar will attend CSU Bakersfield with the goal of becoming an attorney specializing in agriculture water rights.
Ms. Chandler Johnstone is a student at Tulare Union High School where she achieved a weighted GPA of 3.9, placing her in the top two percent of her class. Johnstone was a captain of the pep squad and vice president of her school’s FFA chapter. Johnstone earned a Star FFA Greenhand and elite scholar award, along with awards for character and public speaking. Chandler’s volunteer work included coaching youth sports, serving as a tutor and providing horseback riding lessons to children. Chandler plans to attend Fresno State University and major in agricultural business with the long-term goal of becoming an agricultural lawyer.
Mr. Drake Salwasser is a student at Washington Union High School, where he achieved a 3.68 weighted GPA. Drake was recognized for achievements in baseball, football and scholastics. Drake received the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award twice and was class president his freshman, sophomore and junior years. Drake has experience working in the table grape industry. Drake plans to major in business at Fresno State University and hopes to one day become a fruit broker.
Scholarships will be offered again next year, with applications for 2014 available in the fall of 2013 at www.grapesfromcalifornia.com.