Applications are accepted from September 1st until May 1st of each year. Recipients are notified by June 1st and the scholarships are awarded at our June luncheon.
98
Scholarships Granted
196
Happy Parents
$111,000
Awarded To Students
98
Lives Changed
AWARDS
TCERA awards six applicants a scholarship in the amount of $1,000 each. Applications are accepted from September 1st until May 1st of each year. Recipients are notified by May 1st and the scholarships are awarded at our June luncheon.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
The scholarships are available to all TCREA members in good standing, for their children, stepchildren, grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
REQUIREMENTS
Applicant must be a high school senior with a grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher and who has applied to or has been accepted to a college, university, or trade school with a minimum two-year course of study (scholarship funds issued when student has been enrolled). Completed applications must include official high school transcripts, one letter of recommendation, and a brief essay addressing the student’s academic accomplishments, extra-curricular activities, and description of any community service. Applications must be postmarked no later than May 1st.
FINAL SELECTION
Applications will be screened and ranked by an outside independent rater. Based on these recommendations, the Board of Directors will determine the award recipients.
2026 Scholarship Winners
Elizabeth Aguayo
Elizabeth graduated from Golden West High School. She values education, leadership and service. While in High School, Elizabeth was involved in musical drama and in concert band. She was a member of the National Honor Society for two years. Elizabeth was involved in Future Farmers of America for 3 years where she showed a market goat. She was involved in numerous extracurricular activities while maintaining very high GPA.
Elizabeth was accepted into College of the Sequoias where she will be attending this Fall. Elizabeth’s goal is to start her higher education at COS and to transfer to UC Berkeley. She plans to pursue a path toward law school and eventually become a lawyer. Elizabeth wants to advocate for those who need a voice and serve her community.
TCREA member is Magdalena Castilleja-Gomez— her grandmother.
Savanna Benc
Savanna graduated from Golden Valley High School in Merced. Starting in the sixth grade, Savanna started playing softball, working very hard to excel in the position of pitcher. While being an excellent athlete, she maintained a very high GPA taking AP courses. She participated in FFA, showing numerous livestock such as lamb, sheep, swine and dairy cattle. She has been involved in ASB leadership- becoming ASB treasurer this past year. Savanna has perfectly balanced being a top student with her extracurricular activities.
Savanna was accepted to Southwestern Oklahoma State University- Go Bulldogs!! (Whether you root for Duke or Brandy). She plans to start this Fall. She will be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness but plans to ultimately earn her Master’s. She will be working toward becoming an accountant specializing in the field of agricultural finance. While at Uni, she is committed to play Division II softball in the position of pitcher.
TCREA member is Thomasine Benc- her grandmother.
Jordan Anaya
Jordan graduated from Redwood High School where he has been preparing for his future. He took AP classes and was in the A.C.E. Academy at Redwood High School. (ACE Stands for Architecture, Construction and Engineering.) This was a 4-year program where Jordan learned to design buildings, manage construction projects and understand basic engineering concepts.
Jordan was accepted into College of the Sequoias where he will start this Fall. He plans to study Agricultural Business as he pursues a career in the agricultural field to be able to serve his community.
TCREA member is Dora Anaya- his aunt, who he calls Grandma.
Malakai Joseph DeRose
Malakai graduated from Redwood High School. He is a dedicated student-athlete who is committed to continuing his academic and athletic journey into college, becoming a member of the track and field program. Malakai has maintained a strong 3.5 GPA while challenging himself by taking numerous AP and honors courses. Since 2023, Malakai has been a charter member of a group called Assisteens - which is an auxiliary of the Assistance League of Visalia. He has served his community including creating resource kits and offering support to those in need. He has a strong commitment to community service while assuring his academics remain his top priority.
Malakai was accepted and will be starting at Fresno Pacific University- Go Sunbirds (Sunny the Sunbird) where he will be studying Business Administration focusing on finance and marketing, and working toward his goal of becoming a financial advisor.
TCREA member is Joseph DeRose- his grandfather, retired from the Probation Deaprtment.
Gannon Gonzalez
Gannon graduated from Hanford High School. Throughout his High School career, Gannon maintained a 4.0 GPA and has earned the Academic Excellence Award every semester, all while taking AP courses. Maintaining a strong academic performance has been a top priority for him. In addition, athletics have played an important role in shaping who he is. Whether it is soccer or golf, he has balanced academics with athletics which has allowed him to stay focused while juggling multiple responsibilities.
Gannon has been accepted to Fresno State University where he will be working toward earning his bachelor’s degree in computer science / cyber security. He will be starting this Fall. He is working toward becoming a cyber security manager. He wants to become a leader in the field of cybersecurity and make a meaningful impact in the digital world.
TCREA member is Maria Hovsepian - his grandmother.
Danielle Hagar
Danielle graduated from Immanuel High School. While in High School, in her freshman year, Danielle started taking college courses online during the summer through Saddleback Junior College in Mission Viejo. She will be graduating High School and already having her college general education completed. Danielle has been very involved in serving her community whether teaching children to swim or working in after-school programs. But her favorite is serving at Gleanings of the Hungry, especially serving in the quilt room, helping families who have been displaced by war.
Danielle has been accepted into her dream school - Cal State University Channel Islands in Southern California— Go Dolphins!! She wants to pursue a career in early education. She will be pursuing a master's degree and hopes to become a second-grade teacher.
TCREA member is Floyd Hager- her father. Floyd Hager served in the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department for 16 years and as an investigator with the Tulare County DA’s office where he served for 8 years.