Empowering Young Minds Through Sustainable Practices
Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. has once again demonstrated its commitment to sustainability and education by announcing the winners of its fourth annual Earth Day scholarship contest. This family-owned pistachio company, known as the second-largest pistachio grower and processor in the United States, is on a mission to inspire the next generation of leaders through innovative and creative approaches to sustainability.
Expanding Opportunities for Local Students
This year, Setton expanded its scholarship program from five to six high schools, partnering with institutions in Porterville, California. The participating schools include Porterville High School, Monache High School, Harmony Magnet Academy, Strathmore High School, Granite Hills High School, and Summit Collegiate High School. This expansion reflects Setton’s dedication to reaching more students and fostering a community focused on sustainable agricultural practices.
A Look at the Scholarship Awards
Setton awarded a total of thirteen scholarships, including:
- $5,000 to the first-place winner
- $2,500 to the second-place winner
- $1,000 each to five third-place winners
- $750 each to five honorable mentions
- $750 for a special recognition award
- Additionally, all participating students received a $250 award.
These awards help students not only further their education but also recognize their commitment to sustainability initiatives in California’s Central Valley.
Creativity Meets Sustainability
To participate in the scholarship contest, students were tasked with creating a piece of art that focused on sustainability and integrated Setton Farms branding. This year, submissions included a diverse range of creative works—from paintings and sculptures to videos and clothing pieces—all incorporating pistachio kernels or shells provided by Setton.
Mia Cohen, COO of Setton Pistachio, emphasized the importance of the scholarship program, stating, “As a family-owned company, supporting our local community is paramount, and why this scholarship program is so important to us. We couldn’t be prouder of awarding scholarships to exemplary local seniors who put enormous time and effort into understanding the positive impact of sustainable farming and can use that knowledge to guide their future endeavors.”
Meet the 2026 Scholarship Recipients
The winners of the 2026 scholarship contest are:
- First Place: Katlin Valencia-Andrade (Harmony Magnet Academy)
- Second Place: Jocelyn Carranza (Monache High School)
- Third Place Winners: Mollie Gillis (Harmony Magnet Academy), Pheobe Hoffarth (Summit Collegiate High School), Lucero Corona (Harmony Magnet Academy), Isabela Cross (Harmony Magnet Academy), and Elizabeth Moreno (Strathmore High School).
Summit Collegiate High School Principal Matin Medina praised the program, saying, “This scholarship gives students the opportunity to really shine. The amount of talent displayed today was amazing. I’m very proud of all of the students who took part in this competition.”
Local Leaders Celebrate Student Success
Jeff Brown, Principal at Harmony Magnet Academy, expressed gratitude towards Setton for their contributions, stating, “I am very grateful for the contributions by Setton for the students of PUSD and Burton. Their generosity has made a difference in students’ lives. Their belief in providing opportunities through the Setton Farms Scholarship Program makes all the difference.”
Judging Process and Awards Luncheon
The submissions were evaluated by a panel consisting of Setton employees, school representatives, and local leaders. The winners were honored at an awards luncheon held at Harmony Magnet Academy on April 20, 2026. This event underscored the importance of community engagement and the role of education in fostering sustainable practices.
A Legacy of Support and Sustainability
Since launching its College Education Scholarship Program in 2016, Setton has awarded over 215 scholarships worth more than $256,000 to employees, local community members, and students. This ongoing commitment to education and sustainability reflects the company’s values and its desire to give back to the community.
Join the Movement
Setton Pistachio continues to lead the way in sustainable farming practices while investing in the education and future of local youth. If you’re in the food and beverage industry, consider how you can implement similar community-focused initiatives to make a positive impact. Comment below with your thoughts on sustainability in education, or share your own experiences in fostering community engagement.
For more information on the Setton Earth Day scholarship program and other initiatives, visit Setton Farms.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral, Politz is also the Co-founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
