The San Joaquin Farm Bureau recently announced the 2021 scholarship winners. Following are those receiving scholarships.
SJFB Federation Scholarship
Lauren Hanson is a graduating senior from Lodi High School. She will be attending Texas A&M University majoring in agribusiness in preparation for a career as a business associate or sales representative. Lauren was an active member in FFA serving as Chapter Secretary and has won multiple awards showing performance horses. She has also been a member of the AgFest Junior Board for the past three years.
John Lucostic is a graduating senior from Linden High School. He will be attending Oklahoma State University majoring in agribusiness in preparation for a career in farm and ranch management. John was an active member of Linden FFA serving as Sentinel and President and was also a long-time member of the Linden-Peters 4-H Club. He was also a member of the Linden baseball team and the NorCal Long Shot Sporting Clay Team and active in the Holy Cross Church.
Braden Van Groningen is a graduating senior from Ripon Christian High School. He will be attending The Master’s University and is majoring in business finance in preparation for a position within his family’s farming operation. Braden has been very active in sports playing on the variety team for all four years of high school in both basketball and volleyball. He has also volunteered as a youth basketball coach, volunteered at the Second Harvest Food Bank and is an active member of the First Christian Reformed Church of Ripon.
Elisabeth Watkins will be entering her senior year at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she is studying ag science in preparation for a career as an ag broadcaster. She is a graduate of Central Catholic where she was an active member of the FFA chapter serving in multiple positions including FFA Week Committee Chair. In high school she also participated in water polo, diving and cheerleading. She was also an active member of Linden-Peters 4-H Club serving as President and was awarded the National 4-H Council Youth in Action Healthy Living Award in 2019.
Erik Weststeyn has just completed his Freshman year at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo where he is majoring in agricultural systems management in preparation for a career as an almond farmer. Erik is a graduate of Ripon Christian High School where he was an active member of the FFA and Farm Power and Machinery Club. In high school he was also a member of the football team and was awarded the first team all-league award. He was also active in the children’s ministry and a member of the men’s bible study.
SJFB Agricultural Employee Scholarship
Flor Ibarra is a graduating senior from Stagg High School. She will be attending California State University, Chico majoring in agricultural education in preparation for a career as an agricultural teacher. She is an active member of the Stagg FFA serving as Secretary and President. Flor has also volunteered as a summer camp counselor and planting trees with Puentes.
Madison Kelly is a graduating senior from Tracy High School. She will be attending Modesto Junior College majoring in animal science in preparation for a career in agricultural law. Madison is very active in the Tracy FFA serving as President and was a recipient of the Most Active Award. In addition, she was a member of the Agriculture/Scientific Academy and the Tracy High water polo team earning the Most Improved Award.
Macie McPeak is a graduating senior from Ripon High School. She will be attending Oklahoma State University majoring in agribusiness in preparation for an unspecified career in the agricultural industry. Macie was very involved in the Ripon FFA serving in numerous leadership roles including Secretary, Vice President and chair of the Silent Auction Fundraiser; she was also a 2020 recipient of the FFA Star Chapter Award. In high school she was a member of the volleyball team and volunteered in various community events including Love Ripon and Main Street Day.
Caitlin Newport has just completed her sophomore year at Modesto Junior College and will be transferring to California State University, Fresno majoring in agribusiness in preparation for a career in agricultural sales. Caitlin is a graduate of Lodi High School where she was an active member of FFA as well as a 2020 applicant for the American FFA Degree. Caitlin was a member of the Lodi High golf team as well as the San Joaquin Delta College team, where she qualified for the state championship.
John Van Vliet has just completed his sophomore year at California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo where he is majoring in bioresource and agricultural engineering in preparation for a career in agricultural engineering/irrigation design. John is a graduate of Ripon Christian High School where he was an active member of FFA serving in multiple leadership positions including Treasurer and Secretary. John was also active in sports participating on the basketball, football and soccer team(s). He also volunteered for numerous organizations including the Modesto Gospel Mission and the Upper Room Youth Group.
San Joaquin County Young Farmers & Ranchers
Mohrgan Fry has just completed her Freshman year at California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo where she is majoring in agricultural systems management in preparation for a career in viticulture. Mohrgan is a graduate of Lodi High School where she was an active member of FFA and the Lodi High soccer team. She was also a member of the Galt FC and Surf FC soccer teams. She also volunteered with the Salvation Army and an active member of the First United Methodist Church Youth Group.
Madison Kelly also received the SJFB Agricultural Employee Scholarship. Congratulations.
John Lucostic also received a scholarship from the SJFB Foundation for Agricultural Education. Congratulations.
Macie McPeak also received the SJFB Agricultural Employee Scholarship. Congratulations.
Elizabeth Merenda has just completed her junior year at California State University, Fresno where she is majoring in agricultural communications in preparation for a career as a high school agriculture teacher. Elizabeth is a graduate of Linden High School where she was active in the FFA serving is Vice President and earning her American FFA degree. She also attended Modesto Junior College where she was a member of the Animal Science Club and the MJC Young Farmers & Ranchers.
Ashlee Pike has just completed her sophomore year at Modesto Junior College and will be transferring to California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo where she is majoring in ag communications with a minor in Crop and Fruit Science for a preparation for a career in agriculture communication/journalism. Ashlee is a graduate of Delta Charter High School where she was active in FFA serving as President. At Modesto Junior College, Ashlee was an active member of the Animal Science Club, the Young Farmers and served as an Agriculture Ambassador.
Alexander Hildebrand Memorial Scholarship
Karlaine Francisco is a graduating senior from Stockton Early College Academy. She will be attending University of California, Berkeley majoring in civil engineering in preparation for a career in hydraulic engineering. Karlaine was very active in the Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement Club earning the UOP Outstanding Scholar Award, as well a member of the SJCOE Math Department Tutoring service completing 150 hours of service. She also participated in the Stanford University Journalism Internship program and was featured on the Stanford Daily Newspaper.
Bruce & Barbara Mettler Memorial Scholarship
Elisabeth Watkins also received a scholarship from the SJFB Foundation for Agricultural Education. Congratulations.
Robert J. Cabral Memorial Scholarships
Robert J. Cabral Memorial Agricultural Scholarship
Emma Bracco is a graduating senior from Escalon High School. She will be attending California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo majoring in animal science/pre-veterinary in preparation for a career as a veterinarian. In High School, Emma was an active member of the FFA Chapter earning her state degree. Emma was also a member of the soccer team and volunteered at the Escalon Animal Shelter and with the TBODS organization.
Robert J. Cabral Memorial Educational Scholarship
Anne Asplund has just completed her sophomore year at California State University, Chico where she is majoring in communication science and disorders with a minor in special education in preparation for a career as an elementary school speech teacher. Anne is a graduate of Lincoln High School. While in college, Anne has been an active member of the Student Learning Fees Committee, Phi Eta Sigma and volunteered with the CAVE Organization. She is a graduate of the LeadCat program and the Freshman Leadership Organization.
Robert J. Cabral Memorial Junior College Scholarship
Rachel Lau is a graduating senior from Escalon High School. She will be attending Modesto Junior College majoring in social and behavioral science in preparation for a career as an industrial organizational psychologist. Rachel is an active member of the Key, Drama and Associated Student Body as well a member of the Cross Country and Track and Field teams.
Mike & Eleanor Gikas Memorial Scholarship
Flor Ibarra also received the SJFB Agricultural Employee Scholarship. Congratulations.
Ean Richards is a graduating senior from Ripon High School. He will be attending Stephen F. Austin University majoring in agricultural science in preparation for a career as an ag mechanics teacher. Ean was an active member of the Ripon FFA earning his state degree and was also a member of the Ripon Community Athletic Foundation.
Cecilia Rodriguez is a graduating senior from Escalon High School. She will be attending Modesto Junior College majoring in Animal Science in preparation for a career as a veterinary surgeon. Cecilia was an active member of FFA service as Sentinel and is a recipient of the chapter degree. She is very involved in the community and volunteers at the Escalon Animal Shelter, Thanksgiving meal drive and Christmas toy drive.
Rosemarie & Frank Wood’s Memorial Scholarship
Mohrgan Fry also received the San Joaquin County Young Farmers & Ranchers Scholarship. Congratulations.
Roy Mazzanti Memorial Scholarship
Flor Ibarra also received the SJFB Agricultural Employee and Mike & Eleanor Gikas Memorial Scholarships. Congratulations.
Clifford Dale Wunsch Memorial Scholarship
Alayna Azevedo is a graduating senior from Escalon High School. She will be attending Modesto Junior College majoring in animal science in preparation for a career in the agricultural industry. Alayna was an active member of FFA serving as Chapter President and earning numerous awards including the Gold Achievement Award and her state degree. She was also a member of the Portuguese LUSO Fraternal Society and the Escalon soccer team.
Kacie Benton has just completed her freshman year at California State University, Chico majoring in agricultural business in preparation for a career as an agricultural business owner. Kacie is a graduate of Galt High School where she was an active member of FFA service as Secretary of the Community Service Committee. She was also a member of the soccer and volleyball team as well as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Club.
Thelma Stewart Scholarship
Ella Adams is a graduating senior from Escalon High School. She will be majoring in criminal justice, criminology and psychology in preparation for a career as a criminal profiler. Ella is an active member of FFA serving as Vice President and Treasurer. She was also a member of the golf and tennis team as well as the California Scholastic Federation and an AP scholar.
Aiden Berchtold is a graduating senior from East Union High School. He will be attending San Joaquin Delta College majoring in agricultural business in preparation for a career as either an agricultural land surveyor or in the floral business. Aiden was an active FFA member and earned his state degree and served on the floral team. He participated in numerous community service projects with FFA as well as volunteers at the Church Thrift Store.
Emma Bracco also received the Robert J. Cabral Memorial Agricultural Scholarship. Congratulations.
Molly Cambra is a graduating senior from Central Catholic High School. She will be attending the University of Tennessee, Knoxville majoring in agricultural communications in preparation for a career in ag communications. Molly was an active member of the Ripon 4-H Club for eight years. In high school she was a member of FFA and the cheer team. She is also involved in Cambra Kids and the Social Justice Organization.
Emily Dondero is a graduating senior from Linden High School. She will be attending Texas Christian University majoring in finance with real estate in preparation for a career as a real estate agent. Emily was an active member of the FFA Chapter earning her greenhand, chapter and state degrees. She served on the Student Government Board and was a member of the softball and volleyball teams. Emily is an active volunteer for the Holy Cross Church Round Up, Mended Hearts Dinner and the St. Mary’s Dining Hall.
Mikayla Egan is a graduating senior from Escalon High School. She will be attending Montana State University majoring in nursing in preparation for a career as a nurse. Mikayla was involved in the Escalon 4-H winning Advanced Showmanship Dairy Cattle in 2019. In high school she was a member of the basketball team, California Scholarship Federation and the Upper Room Youth Group.
Madison Kelly also received the SJFB Agricultural Employee and the San Joaquin County Young Farmers & Rancher Scholarships. Congratulations.
John Lucostic also received a scholarship from the SJFB Foundation for Agricultural Education and the San Joaquin County Young Farmers & Ranchers. Congratulations.
Kayla Rocha is a graduating senior from Tracy High School. She will be attending Oklahoma State University majoring in animal science in preparation for a career as a livestock nutritionist. Kayla was an active member of FFA serving as Reporter and Vice President earning her greenhand, chapter and state degrees. She was also a member of the water polo team.
Seraphina Souza is a graduating senior from Tracy High School. She will be attending Oklahoma State University majoring in agribusiness in preparation for a career as a barn/ranch manager and horse breeder. She was a member of FFA servicing as Sentinel and Vice President and earned her greenhand, chapter and state degrees. Seraphina was a member of the water polo team and volunteered at numerous FFA community events.
