Scholarships

Laura Elizabeth Hodges, a Notre Dame High School graduate, was involved in Girl Scouts from kindergarten and is pursuing her Gold Award. She participated in student ambassador trips to Japan and Croatia and volunteered extensively at the California Rodeo Salinas. Laura plans to study occupational therapy at the University of Southern California and hopes to return to the area after graduation.

Noemi Martinez graduated from Alisal High School with an impressive resume that includes leadership in the Vegan Food Club, volunteering at community events, and working her way into retail management while maintaining strong academics. Noemi will attend the University of California, Irvine, to pursue a career in social work and family law.

Lucas Raphael Milburn, a Palma School graduate, was named to the Dean’s List all four years and was awarded the Max Tybrowski Award for leadership and academic excellence. He participated in 4-H for nine years and gave back to the community through service projects and tutoring. Lucas will study agricultural business management and economics at the University of Arizona.

As a Notre Dame graduate, Noelani Amador served as ASB President and taught swimming in Soledad. Inspired by her younger brother, who has autism, Noelani plans to attend UC Davis to study psychology and pursue a career in behavioral analysis for children with special needs.

Ayden Joseph Apolonio Perez, a graduate of Palma School, earned a 4.37 GPA while taking five AP classes his senior year. He volunteered at the Rodeo, served as a camp counselor, and contributed time at Dorothy’s Kitchen. Ayden will attend St. Mary’s College in Moraga to pursue a nursing degree and return to the area as an RN.

Alexandria Paula Perez is entering her fourth year of the nursing program at Arizona State University. A dedicated volunteer in both Salinas and Arizona, she has participated in fire safety outreach and community education. Alexandria plans to specialize in pediatrics or labor and delivery and hopes to work locally at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital.

The California Rodeo Salinas is excited to offer $5,000 scholarships to Committee Members and their family members for any school they choose to attend, including trade schools.

New benefits of the program include:

• Awarding funds to Rodeo Committee Members and their family members-there are over 1,200 Committee Members who volunteer their time to make our community a better place
• Cash and non-cash* donations can be accepted immediately to grow the fund

Scholarship Criteria

1. The scholarship recipient(s) should be chosen based on the applicant’s:

• Academic achievements (e.g. honor roll, National Honor Society, overcoming academic challenges)
• Extra-curricular activities (e.g. athletics, student government, volunteering)
• Special consideration will be given for students with documented financial need.

2. The Student must be one of the following:

• Child, grandchild, or spouse of a California Rodeo Salinas Committee Member in good standing; or
• Have worked themselves as a California Rodeo Salinas Committee Member in good standing. (A California Rodeo Salinas Committee Member is someone who volunteers directly for the Rodeo-not just as a volunteer in their school's booth to earn money- and whose name is on record with the California Rodeo Association office as being an active Committee Member). Students who would like to learn how to become a Salinas Rodeo Committee member, please follow this link: Volunteering (carodeo.com) and complete the application to become a committee member for the next rodeo.

• Be planning to attend a 2-year/4-year college, trade school, or graduate school.
• Be planning to attend full-time.
• Have a 2.5 minimum GPA