Meet the Newly Awarded Scholars of the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship: Continuing a Legacy of Learning

Vineyard Team is proud to welcome six new recipients of the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship, a program that helps the children of California's vineyard and winery workers pursue higher education through multi-year financial support and personalized mentorship. 

Named in honor of respected vineyard leader Juan Nevarez, the scholarship recognizes students whose determination, character, and commitment to community reflect his legacy. 

This year's scholars are beginning their higher education at both community colleges and universities, pursuing careers in engineering, education, science, healthcare, business, and more. 

 

Congratulations to the 2026 Scholars: 

• Alejandro Jarquin Avendano, UC Berkeley  

• Anadelia Esteban Galvez, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo  

• Diego Perez Herrera, San José State University  

• Dulce Barbosa, Allan Hancock College  

• Hector Rendon, San José State University  

• Tania Navarrete Rios, UC Berkeley  

 

More Than Financial Support 

The Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship supports students throughout college, not just during their first year. 

Each scholar receives multi-year financial support and is paired with a dedicated mentor who helps navigate course selection, campus resources, career exploration, and college life. 

"Many of our scholars are balancing far more than coursework," said Alex Gonzalez, the program mentor. "They are commuting long distances, working jobs, supporting family responsibilities, and navigating college systems that their families may not have experienced. A core part of mentorship is helping students recognize they don't have to figure everything out alone." 

 

Support That Lasts 

The impact of the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship extends far beyond a student's first semester. 

Denise Merino Cavero, a 2023 scholarship recipient attending Yale University, says the scholarship has made opportunities possible that once felt out of reach. 

"This scholarship is helping me complete my wildest dreams. A year ago, I could not have imagined I would be attending a university across the country, much less afford the hidden costs associated with attendance." 

For scholarship alumnus Alberto, now completing his master's degree in viticulture at Fresno State University, mentorship has been just as valuable as financial support. 

"I'm a first-generation college student, so having a mentor with experience navigating the university system has been extremely helpful," he said. "I would almost call it a cheat code!" 

 

Investing in the Next Generation 

This program is made possible by donors who believe education changes lives. 

"This is more than just a scholarship," said Mindy Record, Treasury Wine Estates and member of the Scholarship Selection Committee. "We honor Juan Nevarez's legacy by investing in students whose character, perseverance, and community spirit are every bit as important as their academic achievements." 

Through the generosity of donors and partners, Vineyard Team invests in students whose success strengthens families, communities, and California agriculture. 

Learn more, meet this year's recipients, or support future scholars at vineyardteam.org/scholarship. 

In partnership with Must! Charities. 

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