GRASS VALLEY, Calif. July 9, 2025 – The Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation is proud to highlight three exceptional students who have been awarded this year’s Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation Scholarships. Each recipient brings unique talents, a strong work ethic, and a deep commitment to their communities.
These awardees exhibited (either an agriculture still exhibit and/or livestock) in 2023 or 2024 at the Nevada County Fair. Because of the generosity and year-round commitment of our membership we are able to honor the youth of our community with three scholarships annually. A committee of five Foundation Director’s scored applicants, interviewed the finalist and selected the recipients. All applicants are members of Future Farmers of America (FFA), exhibited in the fair and wrote personal statements on how their participation at the Fair influenced their life and how participating at the Fair was beneficial to planning their future.
Lindsey Alling – Future Forester & Artist
Lindsey Alling of Nevada City is heading to Sierra College this fall and plans to transfer to College of the Redwoods in the spring, with the ultimate goal of studying Forestry and Vegetation Management at Cal Poly Humboldt. Raised around livestock and rooted in Nevada County’s agricultural traditions, Lindsey has spent the past decade actively involved in 4-H and FFA. This year marks her 9th Nevada County Fair exhibition, showing a spot pig named Buttercup. Alongside her passion for natural resource management, Lindsey has explored artistic expression through ceramics and stained glass. Her creativity and commitment to sustainability make her a rising star in the field.
Rayne Rhoades – Environmental Advocate & Ag Leader
Rayne Rhodes was awarded the Nancy Garcia Memorial Scholarship which was developed by the friends and family of Nancy Garcia who was a great supporter of the Fairgrounds. Rayne, a recent graduate of Ghidotti Early College High School, will attend Sierra College this fall to pursue a degree in Environmental Science, with plans to transfer to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Rayne began raising swine as a freshman and has since become a familiar face in the local ag scene, working with breeders and mentoring others. This summer, she joins the NJUHSD Ranch as one of its first interns—an opportunity to both teach and continue learning. Rayne is dedicated to building a more sustainable future through education and hands-on leadership.
Wyatt Thompson – Future Engineer & MIT-Bound Innovator
Wyatt Thompson, a Bear River High School graduate, is preparing for a major transition—from life on a Nevada County ranch with his five siblings to the halls of MIT. This fall, he’ll begin studying engineering at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Known for his curiosity, hard work, and love for rural life, Wyatt is ready to take on new challenges and make the most of this exciting next chapter.
These young leaders reflect the strength, spirit, and promise of Nevada County. Congratulations to Lindsey, Rayne, and Wyatt—we can’t wait to see where your journeys take you!
The Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation wants to thank our membership and volunteers for their support of the Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Scholarship Program.
Learn more about the Fairgrounds Foundation.