2024 Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Recipients

One of the community pillars of the Reno Rodeo Foundation is supporting Northern Nevada high school graduates through educational scholarship. The scholarship program began in 1986 with the award of four students receiving $1,500 each.  Today, over one million dollars has been allocated to hundreds of young adults throughout 14 Northern Nevada counties.

In addition to the Reno Rodeo Foundation scholarship we also have a Western Arts & Culture Scholarship and we encourage students to apply.  The Western Arts & Culture Scholarship offers an exciting opportunity for all Northern Nevada high-school graduates, even those who are enrolled in college, to share their interpretation of our western heritage through their creative expression that may include written material, musical delivery, dance, or visual art such as video, photography or painting.  For more information about the available scholarships, including eligibility requirements, please visit our Scholarship Page.

2024 Scholarship Recipients

Photo Credit: Fred Cornelius

SERENITY ACHURRA
Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Award: $5,500

Serenity Achurra, a 2024 graduate of Oasis Academy College Prep, boasts a 3.96 GPA. Active in sports and student leadership, she’s committed to studying psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno to honor her father’s legacy.

HUNTER ARENDS

Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Award: $7,575

Hunter Arends, a University of Nevada, Reno student with a 4.0 GPA, majors in Electrical Engineering. Actively involved in research and community service, he seeks to advance technology in robotics and unmanned systems.

ANNIKA BRUKETTA

Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Award: $3,725

Annika Bruketta, a Carson High School senior graduating in 2024, maintains a 5.0 GPA. Actively involved in cheerleading and National Honor Society, she plans to attend the University of Nevada, Reno, to study Nursing.

BELLA DEPAULIS

Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Award: $3,725

Bella DePaulis, a top-ranked student from Spanish Springs High School with a 4.45 GPA, plans to study psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno. Driven by a passion for mental health, Bella aims to become a psychiatrist to positively impact society.

CAITLYN DOCK

Al Evans Silver Spurs Scholarship and Phyllis & Howard Weiss Scholarship Awards: $10,000

Caitlyn Dock, a standout student from Churchill County High School with a 4.65 GPA, plans to attend Western Nevada College to study Agriculture Science. Her dedication to agriculture and leadership roles in FFA highlight her commitment and passion for her future career.

DOMINIC GAMBOL

Tallman Scholarship Award: $5,000

Dominic Gambol, a Carson High School graduate with a 3.79 GPA, plans to study Agriculture Science at the University of Nevada, Reno. He is passionate about sustainable agriculture, has excelled in academics and FFA activities, and gained hands-on experience through The Greenhouse Project.

JENNIFER GAMEZ MUNOZ

Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Award: $3,725

Jennifer Gamez Munoz, a dedicated student from Earl Wooster High School with a 3.91 GPA, plans to study psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her commitment to education and personal growth, demonstrated through programs like Upward Bound, reflects her ambition to make a positive societal impact.

LESLIE GUERRERO

Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Award: $3,725

Leslie Guerrero, graduating from North Valleys High School in 2024 with a 4.78 GPA, plans to study Nursing at Truckee Meadows Community College. Her dedication and passion for education are evident through her academic achievements and extensive volunteer work.

HALLIE GURR

Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Award: $3,725

Hallie Gurr, a student from Sparks, Nevada, is currently pursuing dual associate degrees at Truckee Meadows Community College with a 4.0 GPA. She’s an active volunteer and has plans to transfer this year to the University of Nevada, Reno, to continue studying Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science.

MADELYN HADWICK

Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Award: $4,500

Madelyn Hadwick, a distinguished graduate of Galena High School with a 4.98 GPA, plans to major in International Relations and Global Studies at the University of Utah. Her commitment to social service and global understanding exemplifies her dedication to making a positive impact.

NATALIE HAGERTY

Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Award: $3,725

Natalie Hagerty, a top-ranked graduate from Spanish Springs High School with a 4.53 GPA, will be studying Environmental Science at the University of Nevada, Reno, driven by her passion for sustainability and community service.

MALAYLA HARDING

Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Award: $3,725

Malayla Harding, a resilient leader from Reed High School, embodies dedication to community, excelling in academics, athletics, and extracurriculars. With a 4.5 GPA, she will be pursuing Civil Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno.

YASMIN HERNANDEZ DIAZ

Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Award: $6,500

Yasmin Hernandez Diaz, a driven first-generation college student from Reno, Nevada, excels academically with a 4.83 GPA and will be pursuing Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nevada-Reno to fulfill her dream of working at NASA. 

COOPER HILL

Al Evans Silver Spurs Scholarship and Phyllis & Howard Weiss Scholarship Awards: $10,000

Cooper Hill, a dedicated student from Winnemucca, Nevada, maintains a 4.0 GPA and aims to pursue Animal & Veterinary Science: Production at the University of Idaho. His passion for agriculture and remarkable extracurricular involvement underscore his dedication to the field.

MESA LOU JONES

Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Award: $6,500

Mesa Lou Jones, a dedicated student from Lamoille, Nevada, with a 4.0 GPA, embodies commitment to education and community. Attending the National Institute of Modern Aesthetics (NIMA) in Las Vegas, she aspires to be a top-tier Medical Aesthetician, catering to rural Nevada’s needs.

JULIA KAISER

Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Award: $3,725

Julia Kaiser, a dedicated scholar from Carson City, Nevada, excels in her Pre-Nursing studies at the University of Nevada, Reno, driven by a deep commitment to education and community service.

AUSTIN KEY

Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Award: $4,500

Austin Key, a dedicated student-athlete from North Valleys High School in Reno, aims to pursue Civil Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno. With a stellar GPA and numerous athletic achievements, Austin is committed to serving his community.

CADEN KUSTER

Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Award: $3,725

Caden Kuster, a determined scholar from Sparks, Nevada, demonstrates exceptional academic prowess pursuing Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno, alongside impactful community initiatives and groundbreaking research in renewable energy.

JOHARY LOZANO

Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Award: $3,725

Johary Lozano, a standout student from Churchill County High School with a 4.93 GPA, plans to study Secondary Education at the University of Nevada, Reno, to give back to his Fallon community.

MAXIMILIANO MARQUEZ MARTINEZ

Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Award: $3,725

Maximiliano Marquez Martinez, a North Valleys High School graduate with a 4.47 GPA, will attend the University of Nevada, Reno, to study biochemistry and molecular biology. He aspires to become a cardiologist.

ISABELLA MCCLOSKEY

Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Award: $7,500

Isabella McCloskey, a TMCC High School graduate with a 4.61 GPA, will attend the University of Nevada, Reno, majoring in Microbiology. She exemplifies academic excellence and community leadership.

HUNTER MCNABB

Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Award: $$4,500

Hunter McNabb, with a 3.95 GPA from Oasis Academy College Prep, will be studying Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Nevada, Reno. Hunter’s dedication to academics and community service sets him apart.

CLAUDIA PARK

Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Award: $4,500

Claudia Park, an accomplished scholar from Reno, Nevada, with a remarkable GPA of 5.22, will be pursuing Medical Anthropology at Case Western Reserve University, showcasing a commitment to academic excellence and community service.

SARA PEREZ

Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Award: $5,500

Sara Perez, a determined and accomplished scholar from Silver Springs, Nevada, embodies resilience and academic excellence. With an excellent GPA and a vision for inclusive higher education, she’s pursuing Public Health at the University of Nevada, Reno with plans to advocate for underserved communities.

EMILY RA

Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Award: $3,725

Emily Ra, graduating with a 4.94 GPA from Truckee Meadows Community College High School, is pursuing Neuroscience at the University of Nevada, Reno. Overcoming injuries from competitive cheerleading, she aspires to become an orthopedic surgeon, shaping a future of healing and compassion.

COLT SHACKLEY

Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Award: $5,000

Colt Shackley, a dedicated student from Silver Stage High School, will attend Western Nevada College, majoring in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. His commitment to higher education and biochemistry underscores his potential for impactful contributions to his community.

ANNA SPRINGFIELD

Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Award: $5,000

Anna Springfield, an accomplished student leader from Oasis Academy, demonstrates exceptional dedication to academics, community service, and leadership. Passionate about biology, she will be attending the University of Nevada, Reno, and aspires to make a positive impact in healthcare.

XIMENA VIRREY SOLORIO

Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship Award: $4,500

Ximena Virrey-Solorio, a graduate from Robert McQueen High School, will be attending Truckee Meadows Community College, majoring in Public Health. Aiming to be the first in her family to graduate college, she embodies determination and resilience.