Monterey County Fair Heritage Foundation Awards $2,500 Scholarship to 2021 Salinas High Graduate Karla Ahumada
MONTEREY, CA. (Aug 23, 2021) — Salinas High School graduate Karla Ahumada has been named the winner of the Monterey County Fair Heritage Foundation’s $2,500 scholarship and exhibitor of the 2021 Heritage Hog, which will be auctioned off at the Monterey County Fair Junior Livestock Auction on Aug. 28.
Ahumada was ranked in the top “1 Percent” of her Salinas High graduating class in 2021, 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. She 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.
“Raising the Heritage Hog has not only been a great honor, but an incredible experience that allowed me to see the importance of supporting our agricultural community in order to ensure the success of our youth as the leaders of tomorrow,” said Ahumada.
Ahumada 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. She 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.
She 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 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.
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. KV Swine donated the Heritage Hog this year.
The Monterey County Fair Junior Livestock Auction begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, at the Livestock Event Center at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road, in Monterey.
It’s all part of the action at the annual Monterey County Fair Livestock Show, which will now be held the weekend prior to the fair, on Aug. 25-28, 2021. The 2021 Fair is set for the following weekend, Sept. 3-6.
More than 160 exhibitors have signed up to showcase their livestock during the in-person show and auction, with eight area youths and their animals honored as champions after the auction.
For more information on the Heritage Hog and how you can support the sale of the hog, contact Heritage Foundation team member Liz Silva at (831) 235-5616 or Butch Lindley at (831) 596-9902.
More information about this year’s fair will be posted on the official website at: www.montereycountyfair.com.
About the Monterey County Fair & Event Center
The Monterey County Fair & Event Center is a premier event center set on 22 oak-studded acres with ample parking. It is a state-owned multi-use facility that features four large banquet rooms, two outdoor concert venues, and a variety of outdoor and indoor cost-effective sites ideal for all types of events. It is home of the annual award-winning Monterey County Fair, host to many major and private events on the Central Coast, and the site of the Monterey Bay Race Place, a Satellite Wagering Facility.
Monterey County Fair & Event Center
2004 Fairground Road, Monterey
Phone: (831) 372-5863
Email: events@montereycountyfair.com
Website: www.montereycountyfair.com
