Santa Maria Sun / School Scene

Local Women for Agriculture chapter supports future aggies

BY AMY ASMAN

For the love of crops During a ceremony on June 24, the Santa Maria chapter of California Women for Agriculture recognized a handful of local students for their commitment to agriculture in education with scholarships totaling $7,500. Pictured from left to right are Christopher Jorge, Edith Garcia, Margarito Lua, Kevy Souza, Anthony Reade, and Amanda Heath. PHOTO COURTESY KRISTY FARMER

The Santa Maria chapter of California Women for Agriculture celebrated agriculture in education on June 24 during its annual scholarship banquet. This year, the chapter awarded scholarships totaling $7,500 to eight students, all of whom are bound for or studying at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo.

Scholarships are bestowed on students with ag-based career goals, and are made possible by the fundraising efforts of local California Women for Agriculture chapter members. One of the main goals of the group is promoting the importance of agriculture through education.

This year’s recipients were Margarito Lua of Santa Maria High School; Kevy Souza, Jonathan Velazquez, and Anthony Reade of Ernest Righetti High School; Edith Garcia and Christopher Jorge of Allan Hancock College; and Amanda Heath and Lisa Baray of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

Funds were also awarded to local schools for the purpose of growing school gardens and sending teachers to annual “Ag in the Classroom” conferences.

For more information about the Santa Maria chapter of California Women for Agriculture, call Stacy Grant at 938-5230.