Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau Scholarship Program

 

As part of our on-going educational programs in Yuba and Sutter counties, the Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau Board of Directors has established an annual Scholarship Program.  The goal of the Scholarship Program is to provide financial assistance to qualified, graduating high school students from the Yuba and Sutter counties, who have long-term career interests in agriculture, by supporting their college education.  Over the past twenty years, we have given more than $124,000 to deserving students from our community.  In order to support farm families, the Board of Directors is committed to promoting the availability of these scholarships, as well as recognizing the outstanding students who win each year.


Open to high school seniors from Yuba and Sutter counties, the Scholarship Program awards one-time gifts of $500 or more to a minimum of four students annually.  To qualify, the student must be a senior currently enrolled in a public or private high school in either Yuba or Sutter county, must have an average to above-average academic record, and plan to enroll as a full-time student at an accredited school.  Further, the student or the student’s parent(s) must to be a current member of Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau and have been for at least one (1) year prior to the date of the student’s application.

The 2013 scholarship application period is closed. The 2014 scholarship application will be available January 2014.


2013 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS


Gage Willey - Jim Thomas Memorial Scholarship Recipient

East Nicolaus High School graduate Gage Willey received Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau’s Jim Thomas Memorial Scholarship, the highest academic award presented by YSFB. Gage thoroughly impressed the YSFB Scholarship Committee with his phenomenal entrepreneurial spirit, great attitude and impressive drive. He created his own farming business, GSW Nurseries, where he raises heirloom pumpkins and gourds, and sells his produce at the Yuba City Certified Farmers Market. Even with the responsibilities of managing his business and multiple volunteer activities, Gage maintained perfect grades in high school. Before enrolling for classes at CSU Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo for a major in plant science, Gage will be taking a year to fulfill his duties as California State FFA Treasurer. After college, Gage’s goal is to have a career in nursery production. To see YSFB’s video interview of Gage featuring a tour of his farming operation, visit our Facebook page or Web site.


Robert DeValentine      

Robert is a graduate of East Nicolaus High School and plans to attend UC Davis this fall. He stayed busy inside and outside the classroom in high school, participating in FFA, Aviation Club, football, track and Boy Scouts while earning outstanding grades. Robert will be seeking a degree in agricultural engineering and hopes to have a career in agricultural research and development one day.

 

Karen Judge                      

Karen is a Yuba City High School graduate. With perfect attendance and a great GPA, Karen still found the time to be active in her community through Jakara Camp, the Fremont Rideout Teen Leadership Council, Supporting Children Across the World Club and several other organizations. Karen will be a biological sciences major at UC Santa Cruz this fall, and plans to become a cardiologist.

 

Karandeep Cheema       

Karandeep is a graduate of Yuba City High School and will attend UC Davis this fall. She plans to study biological sciences and become a doctor so she can help others. Karen has a great scholastic resume, serving as California Scholastic Federation President, Supporting Children Across the World Club President, and chair of her school’s blood drive committee. 

 

Ragvir Dhoot                     

Ragvir is was a dedicated student athlete at Yuba City High School, and even attended a track meet minutes before his scholarship interview! Ragvir served as Key Club Secretary, was a member of Punjabi Club, MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science and Achievement) and SLAM (Students Learning About Medicine). He will attend UC Davis, majoring in general biology. He plans to become a doctor.

 

Raveen Grewal                

Raveen is a graduate of Yuba City High School and will attend UC Davis this fall. Raveen earned straight A’s, played high school basketball, participated in the Teen Leadership Council, SLAM (Students Learning About Medicine),  and served as Honker Fan Cub Vice President and Punjabi Club Treasurer. Raveen has also enjoyed working each summer on her grandfather’s peach farm. Majoring in biochemistry, Raveen wants to work as a pharmacist.

 

Raeann Magill                  

Raeann is a graduate of Yuba City High School and will attend the University of Kentucky, Lexington. Truly dedicated to her agriculture education, she has participated in 4-H and FFA consistently over the years. Raeann was also team captain of her interscholastic horse polo team, played field hockey and track, and was a content contributor to Crop Talk. In college, Raeann will study agriculture biotechnology to become a plant geneticist.

 

Bianca Almeida               

Bianca is a graduate of Sutter High School and will attend UC Berkeley. Maintaining a stellar GPA throughout high school, Bianca was a student columnist for the Appeal-Democrat, participated in 4-H, Interact Club, student government, and received the Rotary Youth Leadership Award. Bianca was also a member of the Antique Tractor and Machinery Club, the only of its kind in the nation. Bianca will study biological sciences at UC Berkeley and plans to become a plant geneticist.

 

Matthew Oki                    

Matthew is a graduate of Christian Brothers High School and will attend Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, where he plans to study biological sciences. In high school Matthew played baseball, was actively involved in Asian Club, and organized care packages for homeless teens in Sacramento. Matthew plans to have a career as an orthodontist.