Samuel Garcia

Aptos High Senior Wins Scholarship for Leadership, Civic Engagement, and Service

The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation is proud to announce Samuel Garcia, a dedicated member of Watsonville Ag History 4H club, as the 2025 recipient of the $3,000 Heritage Hog Scholarship. Samuel has demonstrated outstanding commitment to raising and exhibiting livestock, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations as he continues to pursue his goals.

During his time at Aptos High (2021–2025), Samuel earned notable scholastic honors, including the California State Seal of Civic Engagement, which recognizes students who demonstrate civic knowledge, skills, and action through impactful community projects. He was also awarded the Seal of Biliteracy for achieving fluency in two languages—a testament to both his academic rigor and cultural appreciation.

A longtime member of Watsonville Ag History 4-H, Samuel served as both President and Vice President during his five years of participation. In that time, he raised an impressive array of animals including 3 pigs, 40 chickens, 4 rabbits, 2 goats, and 2 sheep, exemplifying responsibility and dedication to agricultural practices.

Outside of school, Samuel is a Third Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus at Our Lady Help of Christians and actively participates in cherished Portuguese cultural traditions such as the Festa de Nossa Senhora de Fátima and Matança de Porco, where he helps prepare food and serve the community.

In addition to his cultural and religious commitments, Samuel has made a lasting impact in youth mentorship and athletics. As captain of his club baseball team, he demonstrated exceptional leadership by guiding teammates through both physical training and mental resilience. He also worked as a baseball coach and mentor for local youth, often connecting with them in creative ways—including over video games—to foster trust and offer support.

He has further contributed to the community as an umpire for Pajaro Valley Little League, an employee at Billy Bob’s Organic Orchards, and a project lead for Garcia Landscaping, a small business that provides yard care specifically for elderly residents. In each role, he consistently emphasized service, empathy, and professionalism.

Samuel is also a proud participant in EAOP (Early Academic Outreach Program), which has supported his academic journey through tutoring, college visits, and overnight experiences at UC Santa Cruz—fueling his ambition to pursue higher education.

“Winning this scholarship is not just about me,” Samuel said. “It reflects the values my family, teachers, mentors, and community have taught me: hard work, service, and showing up for others.”

As he looks ahead to the next chapter, Samuel is exploring college options where he hopes to continue making a difference through leadership and service.

As part of the scholarship, Samuel will raise this year’s Heritage Hog—generously donated by Country Hills Feed—and present it at the Santa Cruz County Fair’s Junior Livestock Auction on September 13, 2025.

To support the Heritage Hog Scholarship Program and help future youth in agriculture, click the button below, and Thanks!

DONATE TO THE 2025 HERITAGE HOG PROGRAM