Mr. Cristian Morales Martinez is a graduate of Bakersfield High School in Bakersfield, California. Cristian is attending Bakersfield College with the career goal of becoming an electrician. Cristian has always been a curious student, and his experiences in school helped lead him to the goal of becoming an electrician. In wood shop he realized he enjoyed working with his hands, in chemistry he was excited to learn how things work, and in Ag mechanics he discovered his interest in becoming an electrician tech through the class section on wiring lightbulbs to switches. Cristian is inspired by the years of hard work by his mother and father working in the table grape harvest, and the example of dedication and career pursuit laid down by his older brothers and sisters.

Mr. Eric Ventura is a graduate of Foothill High School in Bakersfield, California and is attending the University of California, Berkley to major in civil engineering. At Foothill High School, Eric was a dedicated engineering student participating in the school’s Computer Design and Engineering Academy, where he earned three professional certifications and secured an internship at GAF Roofing. Eric was the first student in school history to place first in the Bakersfield College Mechanical Drafting Competition. Eric spent many of his early teen years working alongside his mother in the table grape harvest and hopes to land a career in civil engineering after college.

Ms. Evelyn Salazar-Cholula is a graduate of Madera South High School in Madera, California and graduated with a 4.3 GPA. Evelyn is attending the University of California, San Diego where she is studying nursing and biology with the career goal of becoming a clinical nurse. Community and education have always been important to Evelyn. While in high school, she founded STEM United, a club that focuses on exciting and hands-on activities to introduce students to STEM subjects. Additionally, Evelyn spent much of her free time volunteering at many community events as a member of the Madra LEO club, an off-campus club focused on leadership and community service. With a career in healthcare, Evelyn hopes to create a welcoming environment where patients feel understood and supported.

Ms. Fatima Granados is a graduate of Mission Oak High School in Tulare, California and is attending College of the Sequoias. While attending Mission Oak High School, Fatima maintained a 3.8 GPA as an Honor Roll student, was a member of the Interact Club, and worked as a math tutor. Fatima will be the first in her family to attend college. With her career goal of becoming a teacher, she looks forward to fostering a supportive environment to encourage other young first-generation students.

Mr. Jackson Wadley is a graduate of Clovis East High School attending Reedley College and plans on transferring to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to major in enology and viticulture. Jackson was an active member of FFA, serving as the chapter president as well as serving in the Junior ROTC and participating in Speech and Debate. Jackson has a passion for gaining new skills, which led him to found Sierra Madre Snacks in 2023, producing beef jerky. He also created the Real Talk FFA podcast where he interviewed members of the FFA community to highlight FFA insights, leadership, and agricultural education. After college, Jackson intends to eventually own and operate his own vineyard and winery.

Mr. Jack Crowley is a graduate of Bullard High School in Fresno, California and is attending California State University, Fresno to major in mechanical engineering with the goal of having a career as an agricultural systems engineer in the San Joaquin Valley. Throughout his time at Bullard, Jack maintained a 4.3 GPA and was an active community volunteer. He volunteered with youth golf leagues and was a member of the Assistance League volunteer organization for four years where he logged over 250 community service hours feeding families during the holidays, volunteering at elementary school weekend programs, and staffing a local thrift store. From spending time working in table grape vineyards with his father, Jack looks forward to using his education to tackle challenges in the table grape industry after college.

Mr. Juan Carlos Figueroa Turcios is a graduate of South High School in Bakersfield, California and is attending the University of California, Santa Barbara to major in Psychology. Juan Carlos was born in Honduras and immigrated to the United States in 2019. After navigating a new country and learning English as a young student, Juan Carlos became an active member in the community around him by joining the Boys and Girls Club, Youth Diversity Program, and volunteering at many events to support local elementary schools. As a member of the National Honor Society, Juan Carlos graduated with a 4.3 GPA. Juan Carlos intends to have a career in psychology.

Ms. Kaedyn Plann is a graduate of Central High School in Fresno, California and is attending California State University, Fresno to pursue a degree in agricultural education for a career as an agriculture educator. Throughout high school, Kaedyn maintained a 4.2 GPA. Kaedyn was a member of FFA for five years where she participated in numerous ag activities such as managing the school farm where she oversaw the planning, irrigation, harvesting, and marketing of seasonal crops, raised market goats and sheep, and participated in an annual FFA pumpkin patch to educate Kindergarteners on agriculture. Kaedyn looks forward to using her experiences and college education to foster an exciting environment for young students to learn about agriculture.

Ms. Madison Palm is a graduate of Kingsburg High School in Kingsburg, California where she graduated with a 4.1 GPA. Madison is attending California State University, Fresno to major in agricultural business. Throughout high school, Madison was a multi-sport athlete participating in soccer, volleyball, basketball, track, and golf. In addition to athletics, Madison was an active member of her community volunteering at various youth church camps, youth sports camps, and participating in the Kingsburg High School Key Club. Madison has countless memories growing up on her family farm, and intends to use her education to expand her family farming operation after college.