Community Corner
2011 Jimmie Cox Memorial Scholarship Presented
St. Francis student is awarded farm bureau scholarship.
It was announced at the Wednesday's National Agriculture Day Spring Luncheon that Clinton “CJ” Miller won the Jimmie Cox Memorial Scholarship this year.
“My family has embraced the lifestyle of agriculture for the last century," CJ said. "Although I do not choose a career in agriculture because I have to, I do because in surrounding myself with agriculture I have found a nature and true love for it."
A senior at in Watsonville, CJ will attend either the University of Arizona or California State Polytechnic University at Pomona in the fall. His major course of study will be ag business, as he prepares for a career in farm management and participate in his family's agricultural activities.
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The youngest of three, CJ has two older sisters, Brooke and Kara.
CJ participates in sports, is senior class president, volunteered for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Walk and spent time at the Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen. He said he would like to begin his career after college as a field manager and work until he has the experience and finances to start his own farm.
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"CJ is a great recipient and has a bright future," said president Bill Ringe. “We need to increase our scholarship fund so that we are able to present additional scholarships to deserving young adults. CJ will be a great addition to the agricultural community and the future of farming."
CJ was presented the scholarship at the Codiga Museum at the located at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. The annual event is sponsored by the and .
Other honors were awarded at the luncheon as well.
- The 2011 Al Smith Friend of Agriculture award was presented to the University Cooperative Extension Santa Cruz County.
- 2011 Poetry Contest Winners:
- First Place and Overall Winner: Ashley Malone, 10th grade, Monte Vista Christian School, Watsonville
- Second Place, grades 10–12: Bianca Hernandez, 10th grade, Santa Cruz High School, Santa Cruz
- Third Place, grades 10-12: Alexandra Hayes, 10th Grade, Santa Cruz High School, Santa Cruz
- Honorable Mention, grades 10-12: Matthew Pirtle, 10th grade, Monte Vista Christian School, Watsonville; Alicia Flores, 12th grade, Santa Cruz High School, Santa Cruz
- 1st Place grades 7-9: Mariana Rocha, 8th grade, Lakeview Middle School, Watsonville.
- 2011 Poster Contest Winners:
- First Place: Grace Bowman, 6th grade, Bradley Elementary School, Watsonville.
- Second Place: Claire Corneau-Saiki, 4th grade, Baymonte Christian School, Scotts Valley.
- Third Place: Stacie Mae Ackerman, 3rd grade, Pacific Elementary School, Davenport.
- Special Awards: Kira King, 4th Grade, Pacific Elementary School, Davenport; Zach Estrada, 6th grade Moreland Notre Dame School, Watsonville; Celia King, 6th grade, Twin Lakes Christian School, Aptos.
- Honorable Mentions: Natalie Busch, kindergarten, Bradley Elementary School, Watsonville; Scarlett West, 1st Grade Bonny Doon School, Santa Cruz; Paul Lester, 2nd grade Bradley Elementary School, Watsonville; Emma Sofia Ilstrup, 3rd Grade, Westlake School, Santa Cruz; Rashaun Wooden, 5th Grade Mar Vista Elementary School, Aptos.
Chris Enright is president of the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau, which provides support and advocacy for the agriculture industry in Pajaro Valley and throughout Santa Cruz County. His column will appear monthly in the "Agriculture News" section on Watsonville Patch.
