The Anne Stradling Equine Foundation has awarded five scholarships worth a total of $50,000 to graduating high school seniors from Santa Cruz County.
“These students epitomize the qualities of high academic scholarship, a deep commitment to community volunteerism, a strong background in agricultural activities and a dedication to their school’s organizations that our scholarships were designed to promote,” said Foundation President, Beth Sullivan.
Two of the awardees, Sarah Lyman and Brianna Young, are majoring in Agriculture with the aim of achieving a degree in Veterinary Medicine, a goal close to the heart of Anne Stradling. Those two will each receive a four-year award totaling $20,000, payable to the college of their choice in increments of $2,500 per semester.
Sarah Lyman, of Elgin, will graduate with a 4.213 grade average from Benson High School, where she ranks 4th in the class of 74 students. Sarah is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars. She has served as president of FFA in her high school, and was a delegate to the 4-H Engaged Citizens Event representing Santa Cruz County to the Arizona State Legislators. She is a dedicated community volunteer, serving as junior swine project leader in 4-H, assisting with the Sonoita Ranch Youth Rodeo and the Canelo Cowboy Church Ranch Family Fun Days and many others. She is enrolled in the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, majoring in neurosciences, with a goal of becoming a large animal veterinarian.
Another aspiring veterinarian is Brianna Young, of Patagonia, who will graduate from Patagonia Union High School (PUHS) with a 4.107 grade average where she ranks 2nd in a class of 23 students. Brianna will attend the University of Arizona in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. After receiving her degree she plans to return to her hometown where she can serve the needs of the community. She has competed in many competitions and conferences including 4-H livestock skillathons, where she has placed in the top ten ever since junior high school and competed in the national contest in Louisville, KY. She won the state champion sheep production proficiency award in 2020. Among her many volunteer activities, Brianna has worked at the Patagonia Fire Department’s Annual Steak Fry, and helped with fundraising for the town’s dog kennel.
Hannah Woodard will receive a $4,000 award, payable in increments of $1,000 per semester for a two-year period. Hannah ranks 5th in her class at PUHS with a grade point average of 3.842. She plans to the attend the University of Arizona pursuing a degree in marketing in the Eller Business program. She has been active in sports participating in basketball, volleyball and tennis. She also helped out with her mother’s farm and has been active in FAA as well as serving as junior class vice-president and secretary of student council in her senior year.
Two students, Alex Santos and Hannah Young, who are enrolled in Pima Community College will receive $3,000, payable at $750 per semester for a two-year period.
Alex Santos ranked 10th in his class at PUHS with a grade point average of 3.67. He will pursue an academic career in school counseling which he feels is a way for him to help his community. Alex has delivered food boxes during the pandemic, provided music for church services, and helped at the Patagonia Youth Center by painting a mural and shoveling dirt for the garden.
Hannah Young, was 5th in her class at PUHS with a 3.842 grade average. Hannah’s ultimate goal is to become a flight nurse. She will first attend junior college to earn her associates degree and then continue to the University of Arizona to study for nursing degree focused on advance life support. Her school activities include varsity sports, serving as president of the San Rafael 4-H program and class president in her freshman, junior and senior years. She volunteers with the Patagonia Fire Department and Marshal’s Department and is a member of National Society.