Rodeo Salinas announces scholarship recipients

CALIFORNIA

The California Rodeo Salinas honored six local students during its 2025 scholarship presentation held on Thursday, June 19. Left to right: Kelly McCarthy Sutherland, chairman of the California Rodeo Salinas Scholarship Committee, Lucas Milburn, Laura Hodges, Noelani Amador, Noemi Martinez, Ayden Perez and Alexandria Perez. COURTESY OF MAG ONE MEDIA

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By Andrea Valadez

avaladez@montereyherald.com

SALINAS >> Six local students were recognized as recipients of the California Rodeo Salinas 2025 scholarship during a presentation held June 19.

The annual scholarship disburses $30,000 in college or trade school funding to local students who have a connection to the rodeo, whether being volunteers themselves or coming from a family that is involved in the organization. Previously administered through Hartnell College, the scholarship is now awarded through the Community Foundation for Monterey County.

“We are so grateful for the assistance of the Community Foundation for Monterey County staff. They help us with the nearly impossible task of selecting our recipients by reviewing and scoring their applications and interviews,” said Kelly McCarthy Sutherland, chair of the California Rodeo Salinas Scholarship Advisory Committee in a news release.

“We had so many deserving applicants,” said Sutherland. “Each of our final six recipients demonstrated resilience, leadership skills, amazing time management skills and a strong commitment to their future. We’re proud to invest in their journeys and the positive impact they’ll make on our community.”

This year’s recipients are:

*Laura Elizabeth Hodges — Notre Dame High School graduate and Girl Scout pursuing Occupational Therapy at USC

*Noemi Martinez — Alisal High School graduate and future UC Irvine student, aiming for a career in social work and family law

*Lucas Raphael Milburn — Palma School graduate and 4-H member studying Agricultural Business and Economics at the University of Arizona

*Noelani Amador — Notre Dame High School graduate attending UC Davis to study Psychology and become a behavioral analyst

*Ayden Joseph Apolonio Perez — Palma School graduate and future nursing student at St. Mary’s College in Moraga

*Alexandria Paula Perez — Nursing student entering her fourth year at Arizona State University, with plans to return and work in Salinas

The Rodeo’s scholarship program has been awarding local students for 39 years. The 2024 scholarship broke the Rodeo’s record, with $47,500 going toward students — over $204,000 has been awarded in total. This year, each recipient received a $5,000 scholarship.

“This honor not only recognizes (Martinez’) academic excellence and community involvement, but also highlights the strength and potential of our students in Salinas,” said Salinas Union High School District Superintendent Zandra Jo Galván. “(Martinez) is a shining example of resilience, leadership, and cultural pride — she represents everything we stand for in the Salinas Union High School District. We are grateful to the California Rodeo for investing in the future of our youth.”

Recipients are required to be pursuing higher education and have experience as Rodeo Committee Members (volunteers) or be family of Committee Members. Academic achievements, extracurricular activities, financial need and GPA (a minimum of 2.5) are also considered. Applicants are also required to be planning to attend or currently attending a two or four-year college, trade school or graduate school.

More information about the scholarship fund can be found at https://cfmco.academicworks.com/opportunities/1546.