Scholarship Recipients

Mia Apodaca

Grants High School | Class of 2022

Not only does she excel academically, but Mia also participated in many school activities and clubs at GHS. She was the vice president of the Class of 2022 and a year-round student athlete. Mia was a member of the bowling club and volunteered improving her community by tutoring elementary/middle school students, participating in community cleanups, and assisting with restoring public spaces. 

“I want help people become more confident with themselves and lead happier healthier lifestyles,” said Mia. “Eventually I would like to open my own practice to make dental care more affordable for all.”

She is a student at Pima Medical Institute and is pursuing her dental assistant certificate. She plans to get her associates degree and become a dental hygienist. 

Activities

  • Volleyball
  • Basketball
  • Track
  • Bowling Club
  • Student Council
Tina Simpson

Kristina Simpson

Grants High School | Class of 2021

Kristina is no stranger to hard work. Balancing her love for sports with her commitments to both 4-H, school and family is what she credits to helping her become a leader in her community.

“4-H has given me confidence, independence and compassion. I learned by doing, growing from failure, and using my experiences to drive a positive outcome,” she said. “I believe this has helped me be a more disciplined and a respectful person because I grew up knowing that life is not easy, it is a lot of hard work.”

Kristina is attending the University of the Southwest in Hobbs, and is majoring in Kinesiology to pursue a career as an athletic trainer. She wants to one day share her passions with younger athletes.

Activities:

  • 4-H
  • GHS Soccer, Cross Country, Basketball and Track
Dakota Woodbury

Dakota Woodbury

Grants High School | Class of 2021

Dakota grew up with a passion for service. She has been involved in 4-H for 11 years, and is an active leader and volunteer in the 4-H community by teaching younger kids about her love for agriculture. She is a three-time Bi-County Fair Grand Champion showing steers, has participated in several sports in high school, and annually competed in Science Fair at local and state competitions.

“My family have always called me the pied piper of kids. Kids have always been drawn to me, as I am to them,” she said. “I would love to teach kids and help them grow and reach their goals in life.”

Dakota is attending New Mexico State University (NMSU) in Las Cruces, and is majoring in Early Childhood Education to become a teacher.

Activities:

  • 4-H and FFA
  • GHS Varsity Volleyball, Basketball and Track
  • Science Fai

Krysta Barajas

Grants High School | Class of 2020

Krysta has grown up with a love for animals, which led her to join 4-H at a young age. She was in the 4-H rodeo since she was nine years old, and competed in the annual Bi-County Fair in photography, rabbit showmanship, swine showmanship and steer showmanship during a span of 10 years.

“My involvement with 4-H has been a major part of my life, and has definitely has shaped me to be the person I am,” said Krysta. “In 4-H, I learned how to be responsible and how to be involved in my
community. Thanks to 4-H, it gave me a better perspective to what I want to do with my life and gave me the skills I needed in order to accomplish my goal of becoming a veterinarian.”

Krysta is attending New Mexico State University to pursue a degree in Animal Science.

Activities:

  • 4-H
  • GHS Varsity Tennis (5 years)
  • Cibola County Ag Day