Irrigation Association awards 18 scholarships

The Irrigation Association announced its winners of the 2022 Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra Scholarship Program, awarding 18 college students pursuing careers in the irrigation field.

Scholarships range from $1,000 to $3,000 and go to those enrolled in associate to graduate irrigation programs based on criteria including letters of intent, financial need, resume, courses taken and letters of reference.

Since the program’s inception in 2016, 107 students have been awarded scholarships. IA recognized Molly Biggs and Megan Nelson of Kansas State University as the 2022 Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra scholars, a special designation given to the top two winners each year. 

Rain Bird is the exclusive sponsor of the scholarship program through 2026 in honor of LaFetra, who served as company president and CEO before his passing on Jan. 29, 2021. 

This year’s scholarship winners include:

• Molly Biggs – Kansas State University 
• Megan Nelson – Kansas State University 
• Gavin Barnes – California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo 
• Troy Bowman – Cincinnati State 
• Luis Cortes – California State Polytechnic University Pomona 
• Kristopher Criscione – Louisiana State University 
• Juanita Diusaba Yusunguaira – Walla Walla Community College 
• Matthew Gallegos – California State University, Fresno 
• Charles Graham – Oklahoma State University 
• Sheila Grubb – Spokane Community College Agriculture 
• Samuel Hester – University of Georgia 
• Mary Logan Tostenson – University of Georgia 
• Kade McGinn – Kansas State University 
• Emily Sarantopulos – California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo 
• Emily Scruggs – Clemson University 
• Erika Sos – California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo 
• John Van Vliet – California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo 
• Hannah Williams – University of Nebraska-Lincoln