SALINAS, CA – The California Rodeo Salinas has awarded $30,000 in scholarships through the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) to support local students pursuing higher education or vocational training. For 39 years, the Rodeo’s scholarship program has helped empower young leaders who demonstrate academic promise, community involvement, and dedication to personal growth.
“We are so grateful for the assistance of the Community Foundation of 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. “We had so many deserving applicants. 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.”
Scholarships were awarded exclusively through CFMC this year. The Hartnell College-specific program has been discontinued. Applicants must be current or past California Rodeo Salinas Committee members or their relatives, and funds may be applied toward any post-secondary program, including trade schools.
The 2025 scholarship recipients are:
Laura Elizabeth Hodges – A graduate of Notre Dame High School and active 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 serve the Salinas community.
The scholarship presentation was held on Thursday, June 19th, honoring these exceptional students for their achievements and commitment to making a difference. Read their full biographies at https://www.carodeo.com/p/about-us/community/scholarships.
Photo by Mag One Media. L-R: Kelly McCarthy Sutherland, Chairman of the California Rodeo Salinas Scholarship Committee, Lucas Milburn, Laura Hodges, Noelani Amador, Noemi Martinez, Ayden Perez, and Alexandria Perez.
ABOUT CALIFORNIA RODEO SALINAS
The 115th California Rodeo Salinas will take place July 17–20, 2025. As a not-for-profit organization, the California Rodeo Association is dedicated to preserving the traditions of the California Rodeo Salinas and the Western way of life while fostering community involvement and cultural heritage. Through its annual Rodeo and year-round operations at the Salinas Sports Complex, the Association supports local nonprofits and community groups. In 2024, these efforts generated over $796,000 for local organizations.
For more information, visit www.CARodeo.com or contact the Rodeo Office at (831) 775-3100.
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