In July, Superfresh Growers had the joy of honoring our scholarship recipients at the Washington Apple Education Foundation (WAEF) luncheon in Yakima. Each year, Superfresh Growers awards $30,000 in scholarships to students whose lives have been touched by the Washington tree fruit industry. Through the Kershaw Companies Scholarships, employees and their children can receive support for up to four years of undergraduate study.
This year, we were proud to celebrate six incredible students, each on their own unique journey. Four were able to join us at the luncheon—Mauricio Hernandez, Casandra Rosario-Brambila, Ruben Martinez, and Angel Antonio. Two others, Henry Preacher and Genevieve Newstead, were unable to attend as they were already putting their scholarships and future degrees to work through summer jobs.
WAEF Luncheon Attendees: Mauricio Hernandez, Casandra Rosario-Brambila, Angel Antonio, and Ruben Martinez
Brian Kershaw Memorial Scholarship
Casandra Rosario-Brambila
Law, Societies & Justice, University of Washington
“I am currently majoring in law, societies and justice and I plan on going to law school after I graduate.
The Brian Kershaw Memorial Scholarship has helped me to focus and prioritize my academic goals by lightening financial burden on my family and I. This scholarship is also a source of motivation to myself, knowing that others believe in my potential is inspiring.
I hope to make a positive impact in my field of study that will help the people in my community. I am grateful to be given this amazing opportunity and am committed to paying it forward.”
Kershaw Companies Scholarship Recipients
Angel Antonio
First-year Economics student, Washington State University
“I’m excited to start my journey at WSU in Pullman, and the Kershaw Scholarship has made it possible for me to focus on school without the stress of finances. I’m ready to work hard and make the most of this opportunity.”
Genevieve Newstead in the Cal Poly Biology Lab
Genevieve Newstead
Biology & Bioinformatics, Cal Poly
Though she couldn’t attend the luncheon—she was already deep into biotech research on a new UTI diagnostic tool for low-income farming communities and county hospitals—Genevieve sent this heartfelt message:
“The support I’ve received both personally and academically the past four years from WAEF and the Kershaw family has meant the world to me.
I came into college with a lot of goals and dreams that I didn’t think were all possible—but the added support and love from home made things all the more achievable.
This scholarship has given me the freedom to explore new realms and academic frontiers while simultaneously holding ties to the community I love so much.
The Kershaw and Superfresh family have instilled in me a sense of purpose and belonging, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
I will be graduating this spring with honors and a degree in Biology and Bioinformatics!”
Henry Preacher (2nd from right) at summer internship with MarshMcLennan Agency
Henry Preacher
Psychology, Whitworth University
Henry couldn’t attend the luncheon, as he was busy making the most of his summer in a professional role with MarshMcLennan Northwest, helping enhance the client experience and contribute to increased revenue. He shared:
“I am a rising Senior at Whitworth University where I am currently pursuing a degree in Psychology. While at Whitworth, I have been lucky enough to compete on the men’s tennis team, which has been an amazing opportunity. I am currently interning at Marsh Mclennan which has also been a great learning experience. This has all been possible due to scholarships such as the Kershaw Companies Scholarship, which has helped motivate and push me to continuing to further my education. After I graduate, I would love to continue my education and pursue my Master's. Thank you so much for this scholarship and for having my back during this important time in my life!”
Mauricio Hernandez
Electrical Engineering, WSU – and aspiring airline pilot
“The Kershaw Companies scholarship has lifted a huge financial weight off my shoulders and helped me pursue my dream of higher education.
As an electrical engineering student and aspiring airline pilot, I’ve earned my private pilot license and instrument rating. I’m currently working toward my commercial license—one step closer to the flight deck.”
Ruben Martinez
Biology, University of Washington
Ruben’s words speak for themselves, and we’re honored to share them in full:
“Growing up, I was unsure of my post-secondary dreams. When I approached the senior year of high school, I began to even wonder if I could afford going to a university, as each university's website and applications showed an average tuition amount that I could not even think about.
I began to fear student loans and having them effect me in the future, and did not want to risk going that alternative route either. However, that's where WAEF came in. The scholarships provided through the Washington Apple Education Foundation were a great help; they not only eased my financial worries, but they showed me that people cared enough about me and believed enough in me to finance my collegiate journey.
It is not every day that generous people will just give you money in order to follow your dreams, let alone invest in your future. Going to university was just a dream in my mind, but thanks to the generous donors along with WAEF, it is now a reality that I get to live, and I hope to make everyone who believes in me proud.
In short, I appreciate the scholarship as it allows me to attend the University of Washington without worrying about being in debt this early on in my life, or having to sacrifice necessities/fun times due to not being able to afford school.
It is one less worrying thought off of my plate. I also appreciate the scholarship due to the fact that it is not only a donation, but an investment in my future from people who, quite frankly, do not owe me anything, but chose to believe in me and my future goals.
Knowing I have all of these people backing my journey pushes me to do better, as I want to make all of them proud and not put their donation to vain.
In regards to what I am excited about for this coming year: now that I am an established student at the University of Washington, and understand city life to a greater extent and how university life works, I want to take time to apply for internships and network—finding valuable opportunities which align with my goal to become an oncologist in the future. I am also looking forward to applying for my major, which is biology, and hopefully getting accepted!
To anyone who may read this: don’t let your dreams just be dreams. Continue to work hard, as they can become realities. There are people all around you who believe in you and are willing to help you along the way.
From the bottom of my heart and my family's hearts, I’d like to thank Kershaw Companies for this scholarship and for investing in my dream to become an oncologist. This university journey would not be possible without you all, and I will not let you down.”
These students are proof that investing in education is investing in the future of our industry and our communities. We are so proud of all our WAEF scholars—and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish next.
