SALINAS — 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, an Alisal High School graduate and future UC Irvine student, aiming for a career in social work and family law;
- Lucas Raphael Milburn, a Palma School graduate and 4-H member studying Agricultural Business and Economics at the University of Arizona;
- Noelani Amador, a Notre Dame High School graduate attending UC Davis to study Psychology and become a behavioral analyst;
- Ayden Joseph Apolonio Perez, a Palma School graduate and future nursing student at St. Mary’s College in Moraga; and
- Alexandria Paula Perez, a nursing student entering her fourth year at Arizona State University, with plans to return and serve the Salinas community.
The scholarship presentation was held June 19, honoring these students for their achievements and commitment to making a difference.
