World Ag Expo and E.M. Tharp, Inc. have teamed up again to provide the “We Believe in Growing” scholarship, which supports local high school students who will be attending four-year universities to major in an agricultural field. This year’s winners, Grace Guthrie and Derrick Nunes, will each receive $2,500 scholarships to be renewed up to four years, totaling $10,000 per student.
“We are thrilled to join again with World Ag Expo to support agricultural education,” said Casey Tharp, Vice President of E.M. Tharp, Inc. “There is so much ambition and talent within our younger generation. I am optimistic about the future of agriculture, because of students like Derrick and Grace.”
Grace Guthrie, a student at Harmony Magnet Academy, plans to study Agricultural Business at California State University, Chico this fall. Grace comes from a long line of farmers and ranchers, and hopes to continue on with the family business. She has been a member of numerous agriculture associations, including the Tulare County Farm Bureau’s Youth Leadership Program.
“I am excited about my future in agriculture,” said Guthrie. “I have worked diligently in my studies and will continue to do so, in preparation to contribute to solutions for my family, my community and my industry.”
Derrick Nunes, a student at Tulare Union High School, plans to study Dairy Science at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Derrick is the Chapter Vice President for Tulare FFA and is involved in various youth organizations. He hopes to one day own a dairy and specialize in genetics.
“Anything in life is possible as long as we work hard, have motivation and want to be successful,” said Nunes. “I look forward to one day hiring and mentoring future students who have my same passion for the dairy industry.”
To be considered for the scholarship, students from across the Central Valley submitted letters of recommendation, high school transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores. The winners will be recognized at the World Ag Expo Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, February 14, 2017.