Local Talent, Big Futures: 2026 “We Believe in Growing” Scholarship Winners

Big wins for the Central Valley. 🌱
World Ag Expo® and Coast Counties Peterbilt have announced the 2026 “We Believe in Growing” Scholarship recipients, spotlighting two standout students who are already making an impact in agriculture and their communities.

This year’s recipients – Kaedyn Plann of Fresno and Tanner Verhoeven of Visalia will each receive $2,500 per year, renewable for up to four years, for a total of $10,000 per student to support their education and future careers.

Meet the Students Shaping What’s Next

Kaedyn Plann, a student at Central High School in Fresno, is no stranger to hard work. Deeply involved in FFA, Kaedyn balances market goat projects, livestock and citrus judging, and prepared public speaking all while helping manage her school’s goat herd. That leadership extends into the classroom, where she’s earned a spot on the Principal’s Honor Roll for three straight years with a 4.0 GPA or higher.

Beyond academics, Kaedyn is passionate about giving back. From assembling care packages with Blue Star Moms to supporting Valentine’s for Veterans, Make-A-Wish, and Special Olympics Best Buddies, her commitment to service runs deep. She plans to attend California State University, Fresno, with the goal of becoming an educator and creating classrooms where every student feels seen and supported.

Tanner Verhoeven, a student at Central Valley Christian High School in Visalia, brings the same drive and determination to everything he does. A dedicated FFA member, Tanner competed on his school’s Agricultural Mechanics CDE team, which captured the California State Championship and went on to place fourth nationally. He also competes in ag mechanics events and shows projects at the fair.

When he’s not in class or at competitions, Tanner stays busy working a lot. He’s spent four years at Rock Farms, helps operate his family’s business, and runs his own automotive detailing company. Add in volunteering through Tulare Community Church, and it’s easy to see why teachers describe him as disciplined, motivated, and reliable. Tanner plans to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo or California State University, Fresno, where he hopes to major in plant science or agricultural systems management.

Growing Opportunity in the Central Valley

The “We Believe in Growing” Scholarship is a partnership between World Ag Expo® and Coast Counties Peterbilt, created to support students who show leadership, academic excellence, and a genuine commitment to agriculture.

Scholarship recipients are selected from students across the Central Valley and will be recognized during the World Ag Expo Opening & Awards Ceremonies on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

World Ag Expo® 2026
📅 February 10–12, 2026
📍 International Agri-Center®, Tulare
🎟️ $20 gate admission
🔗 Tickets

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Jason Farris

Head YES man at FresYes.com

I grew up in Fresno. Relaxed in its calm breezes, listened with my dad to the crack of the bat at little league baseball games when I was a kid and now take my son to do the same at minor league games. I broadened my mind at its schools (I went to high school right here at San Joaquin Memorial, and to college at Fresno State!) I love that if I drive for two hours in one direction, I can be in the mountains. For two hours in another, luxuriating on a California beach. I can enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere of San Francisco or Los Angeles, but still be able to come home to relaxation, calm, and quiet.

I love where I live, and I also love what I do. I'm lucky to be able to work in a profession in which I get to build relationships; one that has me meeting new people each and every day and helping them to build new lives in my beloved city. I'm lucky enough to work in a profession in which I can marry cutting-edge technologies and marketing techniques to good, old-fashioned, nose-to-the-grindstone work. I am lucky enough to work in a profession that allows me to work as an advocate for my clients; to use every tool at my disposal to get a job done well for them, and with as little stress and expense as possible.

I love my city. I love my job. One inspires my excellence for the other.

Fresno? I say FresYES