The Vineyard Team awards scholarships to empower future leaders

The Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship has disbursed $350,000 to support the educational aspirations of vineyard workers’ children over the last decade

– On July 10, the Vineyard Team gathered at Niner Wine Estates in Paso Robles for a heartwarming celebration of six new Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship (JNMS) recipients. It launched the farm organization’s next big fundraising drive. The event was not only a presentation but also a joyous occasion, marking the collection of $21,000 toward their ambitious goal of raising $100,000 by June 30, 2025.

Now in its tenth year, this Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship is a beacon of hope for the children of California’s vineyard and winery workers, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. The scholarship provides an opportunity for graduating high school seniors and students already in community colleges, universities, or trade schools. The selection process focuses on academic excellence, financial need, and community involvement, requiring the applicants or their guardians to be employed in the vineyard and winery industry.

“This community-funded scholarship makes profound impact on students’ lives through financial assistance and mentorship,” said Executive Director Beth Vukmanic, who took the helm of the Vineyard Team in 2022 after leading the SIP Certified program since 2009. Thanks to local sponsors, each student receives between $2,000 and $5,000 annually, easing the financial burden of their education and opening doors to a brighter future.

Since 1994, the Vineyard Team nonprofit organization has served more than 300 farmers dedicated to sustainable vineyard practices, including water conservation, pest management, habitat diversity, and human resources. The scholarship, which originated in 2015, is named in honor of Juan Nevarez, a local field worker who, starting at just 16, rose to own one of the most respected vineyard maintenance firms in Paso Robles. His legacy of hard work and determination continues to inspire through this program, which was launched in his memory after he passed away in 2019.

Reflecting on the program’s humble beginnings, Kris Beal, who led the Vineyard Team for 23 years, shared, “When we started, we raised $2,000 and awarded four students $500 each. It was so rewarding because we had worked with the farmworker community for years with our education and outreach programs.”

Since then, the scholarship has evolved, supporting children of tractor drivers, irrigators, and foremen. “In the beginning, it was typically the oldest child who received the award,” said Kris. “I was always struck by the sense of responsibility they had for their families and younger siblings. And of course, I was always moved by the pride of the parents to have their children go to college.”

To date, the program has disbursed $350,000 to help students achieve their educational dreams. In 2022, a partnership with Must! Charities was formed, aiming to double the number of scholarship recipients over the next five years. Must! Charities pledged $1.3 million in matching funds to expand scholarships, provide multi-year support, and boost graduation rates by 2027. The Vineyard Team also brought on Alex Gonzalez as Program Mentor to enhance the selection process, track students’ educational progress, and provide mentorship, resume-building assistance, and financial guidance for each recipient.

In December 2022, scholarship recipient Alberto Ramirez completed his first semester at Fresno State University with straight A’s, joined college organizations, and was accepted into the Jordan College of Agriculture Honors Program. He is set to conduct a viticulture research project before he graduates. For the 2023-24 fiscal year, $58,000 was awarded to 18 students, including six new and 12 returning recipients. The 2024-25 fiscal year welcomed six new students and 16 returning scholars who continued to meet program requirements. Among the new recipients are:

Daisy Garcia, a Paso Robles High School graduate now at Cal Poly University, whose siblings are also JNMS recipients. Her sister, Sandy, graduated from UCLA in three years and works in digital marketing, while her brother, Refugio Jr., is a Sacramento State grad and math teacher.

David Pacheco, another Paso High School graduate, worked multiple jobs and served as a teacher’s aide for Spanish-speaking students. He plans to study viticulture at Cuesta College and then transfer to Cal Poly University.

Denise Merino Cavero, a distinguished Avenal High School graduate involved in numerous extracurricular activities, now attends Yale University’s prestigious Program on Ethics, Politics, and Economics.

Ramses Martinez, a Templeton High School graduate who took on family responsibilities at age 10 and worked multiple jobs through high school, plans to study finance and real estate at UCLA.

Rosa Martinez Rodriguez, a Paso Robles High graduate recognized by the California Department of Education with the Seal of Biliteracy, aims to earn a liberal arts degree from Cal Poly University or another California university.

Sayuri Mercado Arellano, a Paso Robles High graduate active in community service, hopes to study business at CSU Northridge or CSU Long Beach, dreaming of giving back to her family and community.

“Ten years later, we’re seeing the same families but the younger siblings receive the awards,” Beal observed. “Education changes lives – for the student, for the family, and now for their younger siblings. It’s amazing!”

-By Melissa Chavez

Note: Two of the six 2024 scholarship recipients were not present (one of them was at a Yale internship). Also pictured are returning scholars, meaning they received multi-year scholarships.