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Brayk Aguiar is a recipient of the 18th annual “We Believe in Growing” scholarship.
Ryan Ashford is a recipient of the 18th annual “We Believe in Growing” scholarship.
Brayk Aguiar is a recipient of the 18th annual “We Believe in Growing” scholarship.
Ryan Ashford is a recipient of the 18th annual “We Believe in Growing” scholarship.
World Ag Expo and E.M. Tharp, Inc. have teamed up again for the 18th annual “We Believe in Growing” scholarship, supporting area high school students who will be attending four-year universities to major in an agricultural field. This year’s winners, Ryan Ashford and Brayk Aguiar, both of Tulare, will each receive $2,500 scholarships to be renewed up to four years, totaling $10,000 per student.
“Since 2007, we have partnered with the World Ag Expo to offer this scholarship. Each year, we provide financial support to two recipients, as E.M. Tharp recognizes the importance of education and agriculture, particularly in the Central Valley,” said Casey Tharp, Vice President of E.M. Tharp, Inc. “We proudly support the World Ag Expo and are excited to continue our partnership to support the youth, who are our future leaders.”
The scholarship has helped over 30 students gain an education focused in agriculture.
Ryan Ashford, a dedicated student at Mission Oak High School with a lifelong passion for agriculture and engineering, is taking the next step in his journey to shape the future of agricultural processing. As a member of the engineering academy, Ashford explored various engineering fields before deciding to pursue a degree in BioResource Agricultural Engineering (BRAE) at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Ashford’s deep involvement in FFA and 4-H, including six years of raising and showing pigs at the Tulare County Fair, has reinforced his commitment to the agriculture industry. Through livestock judging competitions, and participation in FFA’s Parliamentary Procedure team and the State B.I.G. competition, he has demonstrated strong leadership and dedication to agricultural education.
Coming from a family deeply rooted in agriculture, Ashford is inspired to support and improve the industry. With a mother in trucking and farming, a father as a Crop Consultant, and a brother studying Plant Science and Ag Business at Cal Poly, agriculture has always been central to his life. His grandfather’s contributions, including work at Garton Tractor and serving as Farm Show president, further influenced his decision to pursue agricultural engineering.
Beyond academics, Ashford has gained real-world experience in the agriculture industry through work with Jason Proctor Transportation, learning about the logistics of growing and transporting agricultural goods. Participation in the COS Jumpstart program for Industrial Maintenance provided technical training and valuable factory tours at Nichol’s Farm and Wonderful Citrus, reinforcing an interest in agricultural processing. Ashford is determined to contribute to the industry’s growth and economic success. His goal is to develop innovative solutions that enhance factory operations and minimize waste, ensuring a stronger future for agriculture.
Brayk Aguiar, a senior at Tulare Union High School, is dedicated to both academic excellence and hands-on agricultural experience as he prepares for a future in agricultural education. Maintaining a GPA of 3.4 or higher, Aguiar has balanced his academics with extracurricular activities, including four years of water polo, swimming, and showing pigs at the county fair. His passion for agriculture was cultivated through years of involvement in 4-H and FFA, where he gained valuable skills in responsibility, time management, and leadership. Participating in programs such as Farm Power, Ag Mechanics Welding, and the Sweet Corn Enterprise has expanded his knowledge of agricultural operations, solidifying his goal of becoming an agriculture teacher.
Beyond his academic and agricultural achievements, Aguiar has taken on a leadership role through his internship with the youth pastors at Tulare First Baptist Church, where he has grown both spiritually and personally. His commitment to mentorship and guiding others has strengthened his ability to lead by example. Additionally, he has gained hands-on work experience in agriculture, first through the Sweet Corn Enterprise, where he learned crop management and labor skills, and currently at Hettinga Trans, where he works alongside mechanics to maintain and service equipment.
Aguiar plans to attend Fresno State University to pursue a degree in agricultural education, inspired by the impactful mentorship of his teachers. With a strong foundation in agriculture, leadership, and industry experience, Aguiar is eager to give back to the industry that has played a significant role in his life and inspire young students to pursue careers in agriculture.
To be considered for the scholarship, students from across the Central Valley submitted letters of recommendation, high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and must expect to graduate from high school during the 2024-2025 school year. The winners were recognized at the World Ag Expo Opening and Awards ceremonies on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025.
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