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 Verhoeven, 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.
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The International Agri-Center® is host to World Ag Expo®, February 10-12, 2026. An estimated average of 100,000 individuals from 70 countries attend World Ag Expo® each year. The largest annual agricultural show of its kind, World Ag Expo® hosts more than 1,200 exhibitors displaying cutting-edge agricultural technology and equipment on 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space. Learn more at www.worldagexpo.com.
Coast Counties Peterbilt, a family-owned business since 1949, has grown from a single dealership in San Jose into a trusted name across Northern and Central California. Built on a foundation of quality service and strong customer relationships, the company continues to expand to meet the evolving needs of the trucking industry. Its recent acquisition adds three full-service Peterbilt dealerships, two TRP stores, and Kroeger Equipment, strengthening its presence in the Central Valley. Coast Counties offers comprehensive solutions, including truck and trailer sales, leasing, rentals, parts, and expert service for all makes and models, along with flexible financing and a full-service body shop in San Leandro. With nine locations and more planned, the company remains committed to delivering personalized, dependable service that has defined its legacy for over 75 years, proudly supporting the hardworking individuals and businesses that keep California moving. Learn more at www.coastcounties.com
Event Details At-A-Glance
2026 World Ag Expo®, February 10-12
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
International Agri-Center®
4500 S. Laspina St. Tulare, CA 93274
$20 gate admission
Tickets: https://bit.ly/WAETickets