2024 Scholarship Recipients

We are thrilled to introduce our four outstanding scholarship recipients for 2024, each pursuing a degree in agriculture with a shared passion for advancing the industry. These dedicated individuals have demonstrated exceptional commitment, academic excellence, and a deep-rooted desire to make a meaningful impact in the world of agriculture. Their diverse backgrounds and unique aspirations highlight the promising future of the agricultural sector. Join us in celebrating their achievements and supporting their journey as they work towards creating a more innovative and sustainable agricultural landscape.

JORDYN BLANKENSHIP

​LUCY VANONI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
​MAJOR: Animal Science; Livestock Business Management concentration
HOMETOWN: Fillmore

Jordyn Blankenship is a dedicated student at California State University, Fresno, where she is actively pursuing her passion for livestock nutrition. As a member of the CSU, Fresno Livestock Judging team, Jordyn not only excels academically but also contributes significantly to her community. She volunteers as a ring clerk at various youth livestock shows and coordinates livestock judging contests statewide. After graduation, Jordyn plans to pursue a master's degree in livestock nutrition and aims to open her own nutrition consulting business for commercial livestock operations after she gains industry experience.

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SAMUEL HOYT

​VC-CWA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
MAJOR: Master's, Business Administration
HOMETOWN: Oak View

Samuel Hoyt is a recent graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he majored in Agriculture Science and minored in Agriculture Business. Throughout his academic journey, Sam demonstrated exceptional dedication, earning a spot on the Cal Poly SLO President’s List from 2021 to 2024 and the Dean’s List from 2020 to 2024. He was actively involved on campus as a member of the Western Bonanza Livestock Show Committee, Ag Business Management Club, Dairy Club, Cal Poly Young Cattlemen’s Association, and CAFES Ambassadors. Sam also gained valuable hands-on experience as a Resident Employee at the Cal Poly, SLO Poultry Science Center and through several summer internships. With plans to pursue an MBA, Sam aims to work in the industry for 5-10 years before eventually opening his own business.

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LAIRD PIDDUCK

TOPA TOPA FLYWHEELERS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
MAJOR: Animal Science
HOMETOWN: Ventura

Laird Pidduck, a recent high school graduate, is set to attend Colorado State University, Fort Collins this fall, where he is eager to expand his horsemanship skills through CSU's Ranch Riding Club. Passionate about conservation, Laird plans to join several clubs dedicated to preserving ecosystems, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. One of his primary goals is to manage his own cattle operation, incorporating the latest technology and research to enhance profitability and sustainability. This ambition led him to establish Pidduck Cattle Co. with his family. To further his knowledge and experience in the cattle industry, Laird is actively involved in the Ventura County Cattlemen’s Association and Somis 4-H, where he is currently raising his third steer for the Ventura County Fair in August 2024.

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NUVIAH VEGA

​H. ELAINE CAVALETTO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
MAJOR: Animal and Dairy Sciences
HOMETOWN: Fillmore

Nuviah Vega has been a dedicated 4-H member for the last 13 years, currently raising a pig to be exhibited at the Ventura County Fair. As a first-generation college student raised by a single mother of four after her father's passing, Nuviah's resilience and determination shine brightly. Her 4-H journey ignited a passion for agriculture, inspiring her to pursue a degree and career in livestock health and management as a large animal veterinarian. Beyond her agricultural pursuits, Nuviah is actively involved in school clubs like the Just Serve Club, Culinary Club, Ceramics Club, and Hospitality & Tourism Club, and she contributes to her local church community.