Courtesy photo
SANTA MARIA — Scholarships generated by the “Patch” were recently awarded to more than 40 SMJUHSD students who worked on the agritourism project at Los Flores Ranch.
The “Patch” made $13,000 in scholarships to students a reality. They collectively contributed 2,814 hours to “Patch” this past season.
The project allowed students to gain hands on industry experience in nearly every aspect of sustainable crop production—from land preparation and irrigation management to marketing and sales. Students also had the opportunity to engage in three different forms of involvement with “Patch” —outreach, work days, and student board.
With career technical education and community betterment at the forefront of this event’s values, the “Patch” provided 85 students with opportunities to gain knowledge in nearly every step of vegetable and specialty crop production working hand in hand with plant science, agribusiness, and agricultural leadership pathways, according to Panther Ag Teacher Tyler Dickinson. By collaborating, these students brought a corn maze, pumpkin patch, educational exhibits, and many seasonal fall attractions for the community at large, Dickinson added.
Courtesy photo.
Students also ran educational workshops with more than 600 elementary school students during their grade level field trips.
The “Patch” was created as partnership between the Ag students, the City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department and Betteravia Farms.
Through the outreach component of the “Patch”, students promoted the mission of the Patch and gained support from the following local businesses: Guadalupe Hardware Company, Greka Oil, All About Ag, Ramsey Asphalt, Helena Chemical, Santa Maria Seeds, Walmart, Plantel Nurseries, Dignity Health, Cal Coast Irrigation, Action Club of Santa Maria, BMW and Volkswagen of Santa Maria, Toyota and Honda of Santa Maria, Ag Rx, Simplot, Freshkist, Coast Hills, Alco Harvesting, and many more sponsors.
The following students received scholarships for their dedication to this program.
- Aracely Hernandez
- Madison Elier
- Jennifer DeLeon
- Juliet Martinez
- Lidia Hernandez
- Merissa Salinas
- Bree Perales
- Jessica Segundo
- Celeste Morales
- Perla Camarillo
- Katie Guzman
- Evelyn Barajas
- Iceis McNutt
- Nick Vasquez
- Sergio Segura
- Efren Santos
- Mireya Ortiz
- Elizabeth Lopez
- Marina Cuevas
- Eroz Rivas
- Vanessa Tomayo