SALINAS VALLEY — California Rodeo Salinas has recognized seven students as recipients of its 2026 scholarship program, honoring their academic achievement, leadership and community involvement.
The scholarship program was established with Hartnell College in 1986 and recently transitioned to the Community Foundation for Monterey County. Rodeo officials said the program supports students pursuing higher education, many of whom plan to return to the Salinas Valley and contribute to their communities.
“Our committee received a record number of applications this year, making the selection process more competitive than ever,” said Kelly McCarthy Sutherland, chair of the California Rodeo Salinas Scholarship Advisory Committee. “Each student demonstrated incredible resilience, leadership, work ethic, and dedication to their future goals. We are proud to support these outstanding students and invest in the positive impact they will make in our communities.”
The Rodeo also thanked Esther Figueroa, the Community Foundation for Monterey County and the California Rodeo Salinas Scholarship Advisory Committee for assisting in the selection process.
Among the recipients is Laura Elizabeth Hodges, a student in the University of Southern California’s occupational therapy bachelor’s and doctorate program and a longtime California Rodeo volunteer who returns each summer to help with the Rodeo Patio BBQ.
Keegan Marie Naval, who is pursuing a nursing degree at the Marie Church Coburn School of Nursing, was also honored. Naval works full time as a nurse’s aide in the emergency room at Salinas Valley Health while balancing academics, motherhood and volunteer service.
Brayden Michael McVay, an agricultural business student at California State University, Fresno, was recognized for his involvement in FFA leadership, Rodeo maintenance and construction projects, and community service efforts.
Other recipients include Erick Joshua Oviedo Terrazas, a Hartnell College civil engineering student and member of the California Rodeo Salinas Parade Committee who balances coursework with multiple jobs while helping support his family.
Citlalli Garcia, who is pursuing a nursing degree through Cabrillo College and California State University, Monterey Bay, after previously earning a degree from the University of California, Davis, was recognized for her commitment to improving healthcare access for underserved communities.
Jake Patrick McTighe, a business administration student with an accounting concentration at California Polytechnic State University, was honored for his academic achievement, community involvement and volunteer work with the California Rodeo Salinas Banking Committee.
Bailey Ryan Casarez, who plans to study animal science at California State University, Chico, was recognized for her leadership in FFA, volunteer service and experience caring for livestock.
California Rodeo Salinas said it looks forward to seeing the recipients continue making positive impacts in their communities and future careers.
More information about the scholarship program is available at carodeo.com.
