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Updated: April 15, 2025 @ 10:26 am
STRATHMORE – Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella sponsored their 3rd annual Earth Day Scholarship for local high school students. Students were able to win up to a $5,000 scholarship sponsored by Setton Farms.
To be eligible for this scholarship, students had to prepare a project about sustainability while using pistachios. There were 61 students who participated as compared to 26 last year. Students from Monache High School, Granite Hills High School, Porterville High School, Strathmore High School, and Harmony Magnet Academy participated
Recently, 12 judges went through students’ projects to place the winners. The judges consisted of staff members from each participating high school, and Setton staff. The judging process took more than three hours. This year, it was decided to add two more spots for third place. Everyone who participated but didn’t place received a $250 participation fee. The scholarship prizes ranged from $750-$5,000.
The ceremony held last week at Harmony Magnet Academy began with COO of Setton Farms Mia Cohen welcoming all participating students and thanking them for their participation. “Every participant hit home the term of sustainability, with a youthful perspective,” said Cohen.
“Our primary goal continues to be supporting local students in pursuing their college degree. We’re grateful for all the students who participated in the contest, creating extraordinary projects that reflect a unique and thoughtful take on sustainability in agriculture.”
When the winners were introduced as students sat nervously, Cohen reassured them no matter what award they get, they should all be proud of themselves as well as stating everyone will be leaving with a monetary prize.
“Setton’s commitment to our students’ educational journeys is truly commendable, and we are thrilled to have a partner like them by our side,” said Porterville High School Principal Jose Valdez. “Thanks to their generosity, our students’ college dreams are becoming a reality, paving the way for their future success. Setton’s support goes beyond financial assistance; it instills hope and inspires our students to pursue their aspirations with confidence.”
Starting with the Special Recognition award, Marina Navarro-Alvarez from Granite Hills High School took home $750. Taking home the Honorable Mention awards were Augustin Rodriguez from Porterville High School, Linda Astorga from Granite Hills High School, Alexandra Carino from Harmony Magnet Academy, Danny Rodriguez from Harmony Magnet Academy, and Aidan Jacobo from Porterville High School. These students all went home with $750.
Next, the five winners that took home third place were announced. These winners included Daisy Aldaco from Strathmore High School, Leticia Flores Coello from Monache High School, Alexandra Salbador from Granite Hills High School, Leidi Valle from Strathmore High School, and Hayley Shaw from Harmony Magnet Academy. Each third place winner took home a $1,000 scholarship.
The $2,500 scholarship went to Edith Robledo from Porterville High School, who took home second place. Finally, taking home first place and a $5,000 scholarship was Alexa Cruz from Strathmore High School. With an ecstatic look on her face, Cruz went up to graciously accept her scholarship. The winners also received a goody bag filled with Setton merchandise.
Before students were excused for lunch, Harmony Magnet Academy’s principal Jeff Brown thanked Setton Farms staff for putting together this wonderful opportunity for Porterville Unified School District students. After students enjoyed their provided lunch and celebrated their wins, they were then released back to their own schools.
“The Setton Farms scholarship contest is a fun and artistic way to bring real-life ideas to life, allowing students to express creativity while tackling meaningful, real-world challenges,” said Granite Hills High School Counselor Norma Aguirre.
Setton Farms launched its College Education Scholarship Program in 2016 and has awarded more than 77 scholarships to employees, local community members, and students worth more than $178,000. For more information on available programs call Patricia Murcia at (559) 535-6050.
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