Scholarships

Bailey Ryan Casarez plans to attend California State University, Chico to study animal science and pursue a future career involving cattle. A dedicated FFA member and community volunteer, Bailey impressed the scholarship committee through her leadership, commitment to service, and hands-on experience caring for calves and supporting agricultural education programs.

Citlalli Garcia

Citlalli Garcia is pursuing her nursing degree through Cabrillo College and California State University, Monterey Bay after previously earning a degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California, Davis. Passionate about improving healthcare access for underserved communities, Citlalli has volunteered in translation programs, peer mentorship, and patient-centered healthcare initiatives.

Laura Elizabeth Hodges

Laura Elizabeth Hodges is a student at the University of Southern California enrolled in USC’s highly competitive six-year occupational therapy bachelor’s and doctorate program. A longtime California Rodeo volunteer, Laura continues to return home each July to volunteer at the Rodeo Patio BBQ while excelling academically and serving through campus organizations, including Best Buddies and the USC Catholic Center.

Brayden Michael McVay

Brayden Michael McVay is an Ag Business student at California State University, Fresno with plans to return to Salinas after graduation. A dedicated community volunteer, Brayden is active in FFA leadership, Rodeo maintenance and construction projects, and numerous charitable events while maintaining strong academic achievement.

Jake Patrick McTighe

Jake Patrick McTighe is a Business Administration student with an accounting concentration at California Polytechnic State University and a proud member of the California Rodeo Salinas Banking Committee. A strong academic achiever, Jake has completed more than 400 hours of community service and continues to grow as a student leader through fraternity scholarship and volunteer programs.

Keegan Marie Naval

Keegan Marie Naval is pursuing her nursing degree at the Marie Church Coburn School of Nursing while working full-time as a nurse’s aide in the emergency room at Salinas Valley Health. In addition to balancing motherhood and academics, Keegan remains deeply involved in volunteer service through the California Rodeo Salinas, the California Nursing Student Association, and community outreach programs.

Erick Joshua Oviedo Terrazas

Erick Joshua Oviedo Terrazas is a civil engineering student at Hartnell College and an active member of the California Rodeo Salinas Parade Committee. Erick balances demanding STEM coursework with multiple jobs while helping support his family, and he hopes to use his future engineering career to improve infrastructure and strengthen local communities.

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