Lemoore High grad earns scholarship while working towards Oklahoma State ag degree

Still, she’s definitely got the Central Valley, and Lemoore on the mind, because, as soon as Rowell, a former Kings County Dairy Princess, earns her degree – in agriculture – she’s committed to returning to the Valley and putting her education to work.

On that note, the daughter of Lemoore’s Butch Rowell and Tricia Soares – as she continues her education as an ag business major – recently accepted a prestigious scholarship, the William Barrett Tallant Endowed Agriculture Scholarship, allowing her to augment her educational career.

Dr. Tom Coon, vice president for Agricultural Programs and Dr. Cynda Clary, associate dean of Academic Programs, presented the scholarship to Rowell at the university’s recent College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources New Student Scholarship Reception. The scholarship is part of $1.7 million in total scholarships students received for the 2019-20 academic year.

Rowell, a California Scholastic  Federation (CSF) lifetime member, and a four-year Future Farmers of America (FFA) member while at Lemoore High, was also a school cheerleader and pep squad captain for two years.

But she seems always to have had agriculture on the mind. “I chose Oklahoma State to get a new look and perspective of agriculture,” said Rowell. “The Central Valley provides a great basis and an ample amount of education, but I felt to flourish truly. I wanted to experience other sectors of agriculture.

“After college, I plan to return to the Central Valley and work in marketing for an agriculture company. Hopefully, I will be staying involved in dairy as being a dairy princess a few years ago gave me lots of connections, and I have a true passion for it.”

Rowell is currently involved in the Oklahoma Collegiate Cattle Woman’s Club, the Dairy Science Club, Sigma Alpha Agricultural Sorority, and is a member of the Freshman and Transfer Student Council for the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.