Ramona High senior Karlee Larzalere-Higuera receives $1,500 Don Diego scholarship

Karlee Larzalere-Higuera, a senior at Ramona High School, has been awarded a $1,500 Junior Livestock Auction scholarship as part of the Don Diego Scholarship program. She is among 26 students in San Diego County who collectively received $83,000 in scholarships this year.

Inspired by her agricultural teachers Mary and Curtis Martineau, Larzalere-Higuera plans to pursue a major in animal science at the University of Arizona, specifically within the College of Agriculture Life and Environmental Sciences Department. Her goal is to become a livestock veterinarian.

Described as “exceptional” by Don Diego Chairman Stephen Shewmaker, the scholarship recipients were chosen by the Don Diego Scholarship Foundation Board of Directors from a pool of 89 applicants. Larzalere-Higuera expressed her surprise at receiving the scholarship, acknowledging the hard work involved in the application process.

Active in her school’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) program, Larzalere-Higuera has participated in showing swine and rabbits at the San Diego County Fair in the past and plans to show a heifer this year. She values the opportunities and connections offered by FFA, describing it as a great program.

The Don Diego Scholarship Foundation aims to support students who reside in San Diego County and have participated in activities associated with the San Diego County Fair and the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The scholarship recipients will be honored at the Don Diego Gala and Old Dominion Concert on June 13 at the San Diego County Fair.