Tulare, CA - World Ag Expo® and Coast Counties Peterbilt, formerly E.M. Tharp, Inc., are
proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 “We Believe in Growing” scholarship. The
scholarship program recognizes outstanding students who are pursuing careers in agriculture.
This year's winners, Kaedyn Plann and Tanner Verhoeven, will each receive $2,500
scholarships to be renewed up to four years, totaling $10,000 per student.
Kaedyn Plann, of Fresno, CA is a dedicated student at Central High School. Kaedyn is involved
in FFA, participating in market goat projects, the school’s goat breeding team, citrus judging,
livestock judging, and prepared public speaking. She oversees much of the daily care and
management of the goat herd, demonstrating responsibility beyond the classroom.
Academically, she has earned placement on the Principal’s Honor Roll for maintaining a 4.0
GPA or higher for the past three years. Her teachers describe her as a mature, resilient student
with high moral character and a well-rounded skill set.
Kaedyn is actively involved in numerous community service organizations, including Blue Star
Moms, where she helps assemble care packages for deployed service members. She is also
involved in Valentine's for Veterans, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Special Olympics Best
Buddies program. She is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where she engages
in Bible study. Kaedyn plans to attend California State University, Fresno, and return to the
classroom as an educator, where she hopes to create an environment in which every student
feels a sense of belonging.
Tanner Vaerhoeven, of Visalia, CA, is a student at Central Valley Christian High School. He is
actively involved in FFA through his agricultural mechanics Career Development Event (CDE)
team, which won the California State Championship this past year and went on to compete at
the national level, earning fourth place. In addition, he has competed in the California Youth Ag
Expo Agricultural Mechanics competition and shows projects at the fair.
Tanner is involved in his community and is known for his strong work ethic. He is involved with
Tulare Community Church, where he participates in high school Bible study and youth group.
He also volunteers during Thanksgiving to serve meals to individuals and families in need.
Tanner has worked at Rock Farms for the past four years, is employed through his family’s small business, assisting with mill operations, and operates his own automotive detailing business. Balancing three jobs while remaining active in FFA and community service reflects his
discipline and drive. His teachers describe him as hardworking, organized, and highly
motivated. He plans to attend either California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, or
California State University, Fresno, where he intends to major in plant science or agricultural
systems management.
“We are thankful for the partnership with Coast Counties Peterbilt,” said Jerry Sinift,
International Agri-Center, CEO. “Through this scholarship program, we are proud to help
students pursue their education and prepare for meaningful careers that will strengthen
agriculture and our communities.”
To be considered for the scholarship, students from across the Central Valley submitted letters
of recommendation, high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and must expect to graduate
from high school during the 2025-2026 school year. The winners will be recognized at the World
Ag Expo Opening & Awards Ceremonies on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
