KING CITY — Salinas Valley Fair Heritage Foundation has announced Valeria Beltran, a junior at Gonzales High School, as the recipient of the 2025 Heritage Foundation Scholarship.
As this year’s winner, Beltran will raise the official Heritage Animal, a hog she has named “Zero,” and receive a $2,500 scholarship to support her educational goals. She will present the animal during the Salinas Valley Fair’s Junior Livestock Auction on Saturday, May 17, at the fairgrounds in King City.
Beltran, an active member of Gonzales FFA, is passionate about agriculture and plans to study agricultural business at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the fall of 2026. She expressed excitement and gratitude about being selected.
“I have the opportunity to learn more about the industry I love, while doing what I love, with people I love and getting the chance to one day, pursue a higher education through the assistance of this foundation,” Beltran said.
A leader in her community and school, Beltran currently serves as vice president of Gonzales FFA, treasurer for the Monterey Bay Section FFA, and is class president for the Gonzales High School Class of 2026. Her journey with FFA began her freshman year when former students encouraged her to compete in “Opening and Closing,” sparking a deeper involvement in public speaking competitions and conferences statewide.
“I got involved in the FFA by former student role models my freshman year. They encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and participate in my first-ever competition ‘Opening and Closing.’ It definitely sparked a passion in me where I continued involving myself in every other public speaking competition and conferences since,” she said. “I found myself in this organization, leading me to most of my favorite memories with my favorite people.”
Looking ahead to the 81st Salinas Valley Fair, set for May 15-18 at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City, Beltran shared her excitement for the experience.
“This will be my first Salinas Valley Fair, which is so exciting,” she said. “I get to share this opportunity with my mentors, friends and family, specifically my cousin Isaac Cuevas, who is raising his last market hog. It’s bittersweet getting to share this experience with him knowing one day we’ll be looking back at these memories.”
As she prepares for the fair, Beltran offered advice to younger students considering joining FFA: “Go for it and don’t look back. You never know what can happen, there’s something for everyone here, and that’s what’s so incredibly rewarding within this organization.”
The 2025 Reserve Scholarship, which includes a $500 award, was presented to Christopher Castro, a senior and standout member of Greenfield FFA. He has competed in “Opening and Closing” ceremonies and has raised both pigs and lambs during his time in FFA.
In addition to his agricultural involvement, Castro is a student-athlete, ranked in the top 10 academically at his school and volunteers regularly in youth soccer, all while working part time. He will also raise a hog for the Salinas Valley Fair.
Each year, the Salinas Valley Fair Heritage Foundation selects a scholarship recipient from among high school-aged 4-H and FFA participants who apply for the honor. Winners not only receive financial scholarships but also the opportunity to raise and present the Heritage Animal at the fair’s annual Junior Livestock Auction, which has raised more than $2 million for fairground improvements over the past two decades.
For more information on the Salinas Valley Fair and the Heritage Foundation, visit salinasvalleyfair.com and svf-heritage-foundation.com.
