SACRAMENTO, May 24, 2023 – The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Foundation has awarded $44,000 in college scholarships to eight students whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower.
“The scholarships, awarded annually by the CAWG Foundation, serve as a powerful testament to our profound gratitude for the families of vineyard employees. The workforce is the very essence of our industry, and these scholarships stand as a heartfelt expression of our immense appreciation,” stated Davindar Mahil, Chair of the CAWG Foundation Board of Directors.
The CAWG Foundation board selects scholarship recipients who have truly excelled in various aspects. From academic achievement and involvement in extracurricular activities to making a positive impact through public service and active community engagement. In addition to considering financial need and scholastic ability, the board also values a strong spirit of community service, a track record of leadership, and a personal essay that embodies their journey.
Since the program’s inception in 1998, the CAWG Foundation has awarded $603,500 in scholarships to help students pursue higher education. Generous donations from CAWG members and the California wine community fund the scholarship program.
This year, five scholarships at $8,000 each were awarded to students attending a four-year University of California or California State University campus, one two-year scholarship at $2,000 was awarded to a student attending a California community college, and two $1,000 scholarships were awarded to students through the Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship. Created by the Miller family, the Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship supports Central Coast students who plan to pursue a career in the winegrape industry and are studying viticulture or enology at either Allan Hancock College or Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
Four-Year University Scholarship Recipients / $8,000 each
- Sofia Arredondo, Lakeport, Clear Lake High School
- Harmandeep Batth, Lodi, Tokay High School
- Faith Hunt, Lodi, Lodi High School
- Julie Sporleder, Acampo, Galt High School
- Juan Sanchez Velazquez, Santa Rosa, Roseland Collegiate Prep
Two-Year Community College Scholarship Recipient / $2,000
- Edgar L. Jara, Santa Rosa, Roseland University Prep
Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship / $1,000 each
- David Luera, Creston, Mission Prep High School
- Mindy Diaz Jacobo, Lompoc, Cabrillo High School
[ABOUT THE RECIPIENTS]
FOUR-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP / $8,000 EACH
Sofia Arredondo, Lakeport, Clear Lake High School
Sofia is a hardworking first-generation college student who hopes to own her own business and/or work in the sports industry. Sofia has excelled in school, being named one of her high school’s top 40 students, an award that she was nominated for and voted on by staff. She has excelled in school, skipping a grade, while maintaining a 4.0 GPA and being actively involved in CSF, student council, and golf. Sofia attended a CADA/CASL leadership conference at UC Santa Barbara where she grew as a leader. She plans to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in the fall and major in business.
Harmandeep Batth, Lodi, Tokay High School
Harmandeep is a passionate and dedicated student with a strong appreciation for the field of science. In the fourth grade, Harmandeep joined the Science Olympiad team and his love for science has never wavered. He served as the captain of the Tokay High School’s Varsity Science Olympiad team where he broadened his knowledge in all aspects of science. This experience led him to his career goal of becoming a healthcare professional. He hopes to one day provide quality healthcare in the Central Valley. Harmandeep has volunteered within his community at the Sikh Temple, San Joaquin County Medical Society, and the NorCal Science Festival. Harmandeep plans to attend UCLA, majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Agricultural Pest Management.
Faith Hunt, Lodi, Lodi High School
Faith is the first in her family to graduate from high school and pursue a college degree. She is goal oriented, driven, and values her education. Throughout her high school career, Faith has been active in 4-H and FFA and was one of 43 seniors to receive a gold academic pin for being involved in scholastic extracurriculars while maintaining multiple jobs. Faith plans to become an agricultural inspector after college because of a passion she developed through livestock and crop judging contests in FFA. Faith is a dynamic leader and served as the Mother Lode Sectional FFA Vice President. Faith plans to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in the fall majoring in Agricultural Business.
Juan Sanchez Velazquez, Santa Rosa, Roseland Collegiate Prep
Juan is an eager and dedicated student who is actively involved in his school and community. Born in Mexico, Juan and his family immigrated to California in 2010. Juan will be the first in his family to achieve their dream of a college education. Juan is a devoted student and has maintained a 4.0 since the seventh grade, and recently received many awards for his scholastic achievements including Advanced Honor Roll, Exemplary Award, Most Improved, and Outstanding Academic Success. He has an exceptional work ethic and is intrinsically motivated by his desire for knowledge. Juan plans to attend Cal Poly, Pomona or San Diego State in the fall majoring in Hospitality and Tourism.
Julie Sporleder, Acampo, Galt High School
Julie is a goal-oriented student with a deep appreciation for the winegrape industry. Julie’s career path took shape when she completed her first Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) in FFA working in a vineyard with her grandfather. She performed all tasks including tying grapes, pruning vines, and conducting sugar tests. Her experience in FFA helped shape her career goal to grow winegrapes and work as a grape processor. Julie is actively involved in sports, extracurricular activities, and community service projects while maintaining a 4.1 grade point average. Pursuing grape production is more than
just a SAE project to Julie, it is a way to continue her family’s history – something she deeply values. Julie plans to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and major in Viticulture and Enology.
TWO-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP/ $2,000 EACH
Edgar L. Jara, Santa Rosa, Roseland University Prep
Edgar is the son of immigrant parents who pushed him to focus on his education and pursue a college degree. Edgar’s dedication to his studies and his exceptional critical thinking capabilities drive his aspirations to major in music and become an audio engineer. He is passionate about music production in all forms including music, movies, and video games. Edgar takes his education very seriously and is enamored with studying Spanish-speaking culture. Outside of school, Edgar volunteers at Ironman Triathlons because of his desire to help others and learn about the effort and commitment required to put on these events. Edgar values giving back to his community through volunteer activities. Edgar plans on attending Santa Rosa Junior College in the fall.
ROBERT MILLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP / $1000
David Luera, Creston, Mission Prep High School
David is a tenacious, resilient, motivated, and hardworking student who has shown great leadership in his extracurricular activities at Mission Prep High School. David has a deep history in the agricultural industry, growing up on his family’s ranch, one that he hopes to continue as he gains knowledge and further understanding of the wine, farming, and business industries. David raised livestock and participated in 4-H since he was 5 years old and worked at multiple wineries in Paso Robles where he was able to explore different aspects of the industry. David plans to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in the fall majoring in Viticulture and Enology.
Mindy Diaz Jacobo, Lompoc, Cabrillo High School
Mindy is a first-generation college student with a strong love for the winegrape industry that has been a part of her life since she was born. Her enthusiasm for the cultivation of winegrapes comes from working alongside her grandfather and father in the vineyard on the weekends. In high school, Mindy was a part of the Cabrillo High School Viticulture Program where she became the Vineyard Manager Lead. As the lead, Mindy managed the vineyard including identifying brix levels, tending to irrigation problems, pruning, and more. Mindy plans to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in the fall majoring in Viticulture & Enology to achieve her career goal of becoming a vineyard manager.
About the California Association of Winegrape Growers Foundation
The CAWG Foundation is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that awards scholarships to high school seniors whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower. For more information, visit www.cawgfoundation.org.
