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Local students earn ag scholarships
ag scholarship pic
Area students received scholarships from the Turlock Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee on Monday. Pictured left to right, back row: Matt Macedo (THS), Trent Voss (CSU-Stanislaus), Caitlin O’Connell (Pitman), Brittany Snyder (THS), Brittney Hopper (Waterford), Lauren Hardesty (THS), Alexandria Agresti-Assali (THS) and Brittany Luis (THS); Front row: Adrianna Marie Galvan (Livingston), Megan Henson (Hughson), Taryn Bates (Hughson) and Kaitlyn Heilman (Hughson). - photo by JONATHAN MCCORKELL / The Journal

The future of agricultural education is strong thanks to 11 local college-bound students who intend to keep their talents in the ag community for the foreseeable future.

On Monday, each of the 11 seniors and one CSU Stanislaus transfer student from Modesto Junior College, received scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000 at the 11th Annual Turlock Chamber of Commerce Ag Scholarship Luncheon held at the Stanislaus Country Fair Grounds Turf Club.

In total, the students were awarded $11,750 in scholarships. Over the past 11 years, the Ag Committee has provided 185 scholarships totaling more than $132,000 and an additional $70,000 has been donated to educational activities like the 4-H Farmyard Experience at the fair.

“The success of the luncheon is a tribute to the outstanding support of area businesses and loyal sponsors that participate year after year and who believe that the future of agriculture lies in the hands of our youth,” said Sharon Silva, Turlock Chamber of Commerce CEO.

Jennifer Konschak, a 2003 scholarship recipient from Turlock and Kari Kronberg, a 2006 scholarship recipient, were both featured speakers at the luncheon.  Both of them encouraged the students to continue involvement in agriculture and community activities. Kronberg encouraged seniors to follow her advice of hard work, dedication, team work, networking and, of course, sleep. She now works for Hilmar Cheese. Konschak works for the California Almond Board.

“It’s important that our many donators and sponsors hear for themselves how important their contributions are to the kids,” said Bill Daley, 2011 chairman of the Ag Scholarship Committee.  “In these challenging economic times, providing these scholarships to aspiring students is an important investment in our local agricultural based economy.”

The Turlock Chamber Ag Committee scholarship program is intended to interest and encourage capable young people to enter the agricultural industry. The Ag Committee is designed to support events and activities aimed at developing future agricultural leaders, educating the public and informing policy makers. It is the committee’s belief that everyone benefits from this scholarship program. The students receive assistance towards attaining their chosen educational goal and the industry receives the new talent needed to remain competitive in today’s business world.

To contact Jonathan McCorkell, e-mail jmccorkell@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2015.