California’s table grape growers recently awarded scholarships to nine students in grape growing regions of the state. All recipients will be attending California universities or community colleges.
Six field worker scholarships were awarded: three for $25,000 for four years of university study and three for $14,500 for study at a combination of community college and university. Recipients may study any field. Three agricultural scholarships were awarded as well: each for $25,000 for four years of university study in an agriculturally related field.
For 35 years California table grape growers have funded college scholarships through the California Table Grape Commission. More than 160 students have received scholarships to attend college. The 2020 scholarship recipients are listed below with biographies.
From left to right and top to bottom: Jared Bautista, Nerin Delgado, Georgina Rodriguez Mendez, Glarisa Perales, Diana Robledo, Rebecca Santoyo, Alissa Amaral, Dale Fransen, and Amy Swall.
2020 scholarship recipients
$25,000 Four-Year Field Worker Scholarships
Mr. Jared Bautista is a graduate of South High School in Bakersfield. Jared graduated with a 4.5 weighted grade point average (GPA) and his SAT score of 1,300 placed him in the 91st percentile nationally. Jared was a member of the school cross country and track teams. Jared will attend University of California, Berkeley in the fall where he will major in civil engineering with a goal of becoming a civil engineer.
Ms. Nerin Delgado is a graduate of McFarland High School in McFarland. Nerin graduated with 4.4 weighted GPA and her SAT score of 1,350 placed her in the 94th percentile nationally. Nerin was a member of the associated student body board and was the varsity golf captain. Nerin will attend University of California, Los Angeles, where she will major in human biology with a career goal of becoming a radiologist.
Ms. Georgina Rodriguez Mendez is a graduate of Robert F. Kennedy High School in Delano. Georgina graduated with a 4.53 weighted GPA and her ACT score of 31 placed her in the 95st percentile nationally. Georgina was the senior class vice president and a co-captain of the girls’ varsity soccer team. Georgina will attend University of California, Los Angeles, where she will major in mathematics with a career goal of becoming a math teacher.
$14,500 Bridge Field Worker Scholarships
Ms. Glarisa Perales is a graduate of Cesar E. Chavez High School in Delano. Glarisa graduated with a 3.51 weighted GPA and participated in the national organization “Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America.” Glarisa will attend Bakersfield College and will pursue a career as an elementary school teacher.
Ms. Diana Robledo is a graduate of Bakersfield High School. Diana graduated with a weighted GPA of 3.83. Diana was the vice president of the Advancement Via Individual Determination club, a three year member of Future Farmers of America (FFA), and volunteers at the Bakersfield Homeless Shelter, preparing and serving meals. Diana will attend Bakersfield College and has a career goal of becoming a veterinarian.
Ms. Rebecca Santoyo is a graduate of Porterville High School. Rebecca graduated with a 4.11 weighted GPA. Rebecca is a member of the school concert choir and volunteers many hours in the community for various groups. Rebecca will attend Porterville College and has a career goal of becoming a pediatrician or pediatric nurse.
$25,000 Agricultural Scholarships
Ms. Alissa Amaral is a graduate of Tulare Union High School. Alissa graduated with a 4.18 weighted GPA. Alissa was a member of FFA, where she won numerous awards. Alissa was also the president and a lifetime member of the California Scholastic Federation and volunteered many hours in the community including the American Cancer Society and Toys for Tots. Alissa will attend Fresno State University where she will major in agricultural business with a career goal of becoming an agricultural marketing specialist.
Mr. Dale Fransen is a graduate of Selma High School. Dale graduated with a 4.19 weighted GPA. Dale scored a 1,490 on the SAT, placing him in the 99th percentile nationally. Dale is a member of the local, state, and national FFA and is an Eagle Scout. Dale will attend Fresno State University where he will major in agricultural education with a goal of becoming an agriculture teacher.
Ms. Amy Swall is a graduate of Mission Oak High School in Tulare. Amy graduated with a 3.83 weighted GPA. Amy is the regional president of FFA where she has won multiple awards, a member of the Mission Oak varsity tennis team that won the 2019 California Interscholastic Federation Divisional title, and a member of the varsity soccer team as well. Amy will attend Fresno State University where she will major in agricultural communications with a goal of working in agricultural advocacy.
Contact:
Jeff Cardinale
California Table Grape Commission
jeffc@grapesfromcalifornia.com