The Monterey County Fair Heritage Foundation is pleased to announce this year’s Scholarship recipient of $2,500 and exhibitor of the 2021 Heritage Hog, Karla Ahumada from Salinas High School FFA. Karla has always had a passion for agriculture, especially horses and decided to join 4-H several years ago, then transitioned to FFA when she got to high school.

Karla was ranked in the top “One Percent” of her graduating class, with a GPA of 4.524, and will be attending CSU Chico in the fall on a full academic scholarship. She plans to focus on Ag Business, with a minor in plant science. Karla has always been “devoted to agriculture”, so much so that when the pandemic occurred in 2020, she went to work in the strawberry fields, rather than doing nothing. She says that her community has allowed her to experience a life full of growth, strong friendships, and fun adventures.

Karla was active in her Salinas High FFA Chapter, holding several offices over the past couple of years, including Chapter Vice President this year. She currently serves as the Reporter for the Monterey Bay Section FFA. In her spare time, she is also a member of the Monterey County Fair Jr. Fair Board as well as the Salinas Valley Charro Group.

Karla gives back to her community as well. Last summer, during the River Fire, the barn that was being used by the Salinas FFA had to be evacuated, and animals needed to be sheltered at other locations. And even as her family also had to evacuate, she never faltered at ensuring her animals were fed and taken care of. She also volunteered at the SPCA during that time, to help with other animals that were safely evacuated.

Please join our Board in Congratulating Karla Ahumada on being selected for this year’s MCFHF Scholarship. All proceeds from the sale of the Heritage Hog will benefit youth in the community by promoting scholarship opportunities, agricultural awareness, and help improve the barns, grounds, and event center venues at the Monterey County Fair.