Thirty-four scholarships were given to sons and daughters of Farm Credit West customers; eight first time scholars and 26 renewing scholars were awarded $1,500 scholarships. Over the last twenty years Farm Credit West has awarded $615,000 in scholarships.
First-time Scholarship Winners
The following students were awarded with a first time scholarship in the amount of $1,500 for the 2014/2015 collegiate school year. Each eligible student may renew their scholarship three times for a total of $6,000 in scholarships over four years.
Jason Couto Jr., Riverdale, CA received Academic All League for varsity football and golf and graduated Riverdale High School as an Honor Roll student. He applied the skills he obtained from a business course he took to create his own lawn maintenance business with friends serving Riverdale. Jason plans to attend West Hills College in Lemoore and major in Ag Business.
Garrison Fernandes, Tipton, CA is an active FFA member and athlete. He received numerous honors and awards such as Honor Roll, State FFA Degree, and 2013 Boys State Candidate. He states, “After college I want to return home, working on ways to manage water and improve technology to help make life easier and more efficient for farmers and dairymen.” Garrison plans to attend Cal Poly, SLO and major in Bio Resources Ag Engineering.
Foster Hengst, Woodlake, CA is a 6th generation farmer on his family farm. He has held leadership roles as FFA chapter Vice President and Light House Club President, participating in numerous FFA contests, and participating in four high school musicals. He was also a Boys State Candidate. Hengst plans to attend College of Sequoias and major in Plant Science.
Hattie Jameson, Visalia, CA is an active member of FFA, holding leadership positions at the chapter, section, and region levels. Her goal is to become an agriculture teacher and touch the lives of her students in the same way her agriculture teacher did for her. Hattie plans to attend Cal Poly, SLO and major in Agriculture Science.
Emma Larson, Hanford, CA is active in FFA, varsity volleyball, senior class officer and volunteer work. Her career goals in the next ten years are to be working in Sacramento as a lobbyist, whose main priority is being an advocate for agriculture. Larson plans to attend Cal Poly, SLO and major in Agricultural Communications.
Tristan Rollin, Riverdale, CA grew up on his family’s 4th generation dairy farm. He has contributed to his community through leadership positions as President of his 4-H and FFA chapters, varsity golf and basketball, and numerous volunteer hours. With his passion for math and agriculture he feels that a degree in Ag Engineering is the best way to make an impact. Tristan plans to attend Purdue University and major in Agricultural Engineering.
Kavin Sihota, Selma, CA attributes his strong work ethic and motivation to having grown up in agriculture and working on his family’s farm. He has received awards as the FFA Vine Pruning State Champion, Academic All League for water polo, and FFA Chapter Farmer. Kavin plans to attend Fresno State University and major in Viticulture Enology.
Elizabeth Talley, Arroyo Grande, CA and an honor roll student and Golf Team captain. Her work experience includes advertising and marketing of her family’s farms and winery. She created an educational video focusing on daily farm responsibilities. Talley plans to attend Cal Poly, SLO and major in Ag Communications.
Renewing Scholarship Winners The following students were awarded with a scholarship renewal in the amount of $1,500 for the 2014/2015 collegiate school year:
Bridget Adam, Santa Maria, CA
Justin Adam, Santa Maria, CA
Maggie Boneso, San Miguel, CA
Aaron Brown, Hanford, CA
Gavin Chohan, Yuba City, CA
Ethan Driver, Knights Landing, CA
Kristen Droogh, Lemoore, CA
Austin Fernandes, Tulare, CA
Lauren Friend, Tulare, CA
Alyssa Galhano, Visalia, CA
Matthew Geis, Bakersfield, CA
Mitchell Harry, Elk Grove, CA
Mazie Jameson, Visalia, CA
Audra Jones, Orland, CA
Thomas Larson, Hanford, CA
Cole Martin, Tulare, CA
Elizabeth Parsons, Bakersfield, CA
Rumyn Purewal, Yuba City, CA
Garrett Rasmussen, Dixon, CA
Rajvir Sohal, Yuba City, CA
Theresa Sweeney, Visalia, CA
Kaitlin Swickard, Susanville, CA
Navreen Thandi, Clovis, CA
Erin VanGrouw, Visalia, CA
Hannah Wilson, Clarksburg, CA
Madeline Wisecarver, Hanford, CA