Westlands Water District Announces 2026 Scholarship Winners

These inspiring students emerged from a competitive selection process that evaluated their academic records, leadership capabilities, community service, and career aspirations. Each winner represents the very best of the San Joaquin Valley’s bright minds ready to further their education and begin exploring their future professions.

“Westlands Water District is incredibly proud to celebrate twenty years of scholarships by awarding twenty rising students from our local communities and offer financial support in their academic endeavors,” said Allison Febbo, General Manager, Westlands Water District. “These students have already demonstrated leadership, through their work in the classroom, in their FFA chapters, on their family farms, and in their communities. By reducing the financial barriers between them and their dreams, we hope to empower them to remain or return to the Central Valley and help shape the future of their communities.”

Westlands congratulates the following 20 recipients of the Westlands 2026 High School Senior Scholarship. Below are excerpts from each recipient’s application when asked about the importance of agriculture and water in the San Joaquin Valley.

Kasey Ribeiro, Future Agriculture Educator Riverdale High School → California State University, Fresno

“I come from a first-generation dairy family. My dad and grandparents immigrated from Terceira, an island in the Azores in the early 2000’s and built everything from the ground up. Agriculture isn’t just something I grew up in. It is truly something that has shaped my past, guides my present, and drives my future.”

Charles Joseph Cox, Future Dairy Farmer Riverdale High School → California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

“Living and working on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley, I have seen firsthand how access to water can determine the success or failure of a season. Organizations like Westlands Water District play a critical role in delivering water to farms like ours, and I have witnessed how water availability directly impacts our planning, productivity, and financial stability.”

Henry Maciel Lopez, Future Psychiatrist Mendota High School → UC Davis

“27 years ago, my parents immigrated to the United States for a better life. As fieldworkers, they worked 8+ hours in extreme heat to provide food, shelter, and education for my siblings and me. Agriculture was the industry where my parents found opportunities and where I built foundations for my future.”

Brandon Flores, Future Animal Science Leader Avenal High School → California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

“More than one third of Avenal’s population works in an agriculture related field. My father is a foreman, and my mother is a field worker. Agriculture may not be the career I choose, but it will always be a part of who I am. It is part of my roots, my family, and my story.”

America Martinez, Future Veterinarian Firebaugh High School → UC Davis

“FFA has allowed students like me to gain hands-on experiences and develop important life skills. It has opened my eyes to see the true science, leadership, hardwork, and the responsibility it takes to be involved in such a huge industry.”

Rocio Madaly Mejia Lopez, Future Forensic Scientist Tranquillity High School → California State University, Sacramento

“I come from a family of farm workers, where my father is the sole provider for our household. His hands tell the story of sacrifice, long days, and perseverance. To me, agriculture is like roots holding me steady. It grounds me in my values, my culture, and my family’s sacrifices.”

Kamila Mora, Future Physical Therapist Coalinga High School → California State University, Fresno

“My great grandparents came from Texas and followed the crops all the way to California, picking tomatoes, garlic, onions, cotton, melons, watermelon, lettuce, pistachios, and almonds. My great grandmother even marched with Cesar Chavez to fight for the rights of farm workers. That shows me how much strength and sacrifice went into the opportunities I have today.”

Lizbeth Moreno Hernandez, Future Agricultural Business Leader Riverdale High School → California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

“My decision is set on a career in agriculture. I want to use my success to help others who might be in the same situation I was in. With a strong commitment to my dreams and a lot of hard work, I know I’m ready for whatever comes next.”

Sarah Alves, Future Pediatric Nurse Lemoore High School → California State University, Fresno

“I was raised by a third generation farmer who grew his own corn, hay and ran a spraying company. Through witnessing the struggles and discomforts of agriculture life first hand, it truly changed my perspective. Agriculture will forever be instilled in my life. It’s in my blood, my roots and my family.”

Brandie Ybarra, Future Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Lemoore High School → UC Davis

“Witnessing my family come home exhausted with symptoms left unaddressed, my interest in health began. I want to advocate for minorities and provide compassionate care to patients who serve in rural communities by reducing health inequities, including those from migrant and seasonal farmworking households similar to mine.”

Ivania Carcamo, Future Lawyer Mendota High School → UC Davis

“Because of my background and my family’s involvement in agriculture, I aspire to become a lawyer and work in the agricultural field. I want to help support farmers and agricultural workers by addressing legal challenges they face, including issues related to land, water rights, and labor.”

Sammy Rodriguez, Future Agricultural Engineer Sierra Pacific High School → California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

“I want to help design new technologies that allow farmers to use water more efficiently and sustainably. Tools like advanced irrigation systems and precision equipment can help increase yields, reduce waste, and support farming communities.”

Alexa Ledesma, Future Business Administrator Riverdale High School → UC Davis

“Agriculture, specifically the fields or in factories, was one of the most accessible jobs to my parents. My parents having a job allowed me to experience the luxury of an education. My parents’ efforts serve as a motivation for me as I want to work harder and continue the cycle of creating opportunities for those after me.”

Meharleen Kaur, Future Neurosurgeon Lemoore Middle College High School → University of California, Berkeley

“The perseverance and resilience of the people working in agriculture motivated me to make an impact. Seeing the way they sacrifice their well-being, not just to put food on the table in their own homes, but to make sure everyone in the community can have food seasonally, made me want to give back to my community.”

Jessikah Calderon, Future Counselor Mendota High School → CSU Monterey Bay

“FFA, and just agriculture as a whole, has undeniably changed my life. I plan to continue wearing the blue corduroy jacket and share the mission of agriculture. Similar to the renowned agricultural educator, E.M. Tiffany, I believe in the future of agriculture.”

Megan Alves, Future Agricultural Business Leader Lemoore High School → California State University, Fresno

“I plan to continue rodeo in college and eventually rodeo professionally, while using my degree to build a career in the agricultural industry. I am committed to using my education, leadership experience, and lifelong dedication to agriculture to make a meaningful contribution to the industry.”

Kenya Cuen, Future Speech Pathologist Firebaugh High School → California State University, Fresno

“My family has harvested tomatoes, cantaloupes, pistachios, asparagus, grapes, lettuce, almonds, onions, and garlic, just to name a few. Water conservation and water access to farms are topics I grew up hearing about in my household. The reliable water access that Westlands provides will sustain our crops but also preserve jobs and the overall well-being of my family.”

Tamara Lee, Future Pharmacist Coalinga High School → California State University, Fresno

“Hmong culture is traditionally rooted in agriculture, as it has long been an important part of our history, lifestyle, and identity. One of my earliest memories is watching my grandma, mom, and oldest sister work in lemongrass farming. That experience gave me an early understanding of the effort and dedication that goes into growing crops.”

Natalie Mendez, Future Livestock Veterinarian Riverdale High School → California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

“By living in a rural area I have seen first hand the devastating impact of veterinarian shortages and the heartbreak of losing an animal because help couldn’t arrive in time. By becoming a vet I hope to provide essential care to underserved rural regions like the Central Valley, ensuring that the livestock, families, and companies who depend on them have the proper support that they need.”

Luis Torres-Gomez, Future Business and Finance Leader Mendota High School → UC Davis

“Agricultural water is the backbone of California that benefits all those around us. With a huge amount of produce being made in California, it secures a year round food supply to the US. It has provided food security, job opportunities, and economic growth to California and the west side of the San Joaquin Valley.”

About Westlands Water District:

Westlands Water District is recognized as a world leader in agricultural water conservation and has served the farmers and rural communities on the west side of Fresno and Kings counties for more than seven decades. As stewards of one of California’s most precious natural resources, Westlands continually invests in conservation and champions farmers deploying innovative irrigation methods based on the best available technology.