Spotlighting the future of irrigation: IA awards scholarships to 12 rising stars
FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA (November 18, 2025) — The Irrigation Association is proud to announce the 12 recipients of the 2025 Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra Scholarship Program, sponsored by Rain Bird. These students are not only pursuing careers in irrigation — they are shaping the future of water stewardship, sustainability and irrigation innovation.
This year’s recipients represent a diverse group of passionate students from colleges and universities across the United States enrolled in associate to graduate programs with a focus on irrigation. Scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 were awarded to students who have demonstrated a commitment to water stewardship and the essential role of irrigated landscapes and agriculture in sustaining life and enhancing communities.
Meet this year’s recipients
Beyond their academic achievements, these students are innovators, advocates and future leaders.
Natalia Panova was recognized as one of this year’s Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra scholars, a special designation awarded to the top two recipients. After taking a landscape irrigation systems class at Los Positas College in Livermore, California, Panova says, “I was fascinated by this whole new world—especially how sustainable irrigation can make a real difference for the environment, and I decided to focus on irrigation auditing and water conservation.”
Read more about Panova and other recipients at irrigation.org/scholarship-recipients and learn about what drives their purpose and passion for a career in irrigation and water resource management.
Congratulations to these recipients of the 2025 Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra Scholarship Program:
- Tatiana Avila – California Polytechnic State University, Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra Scholar
- Natalia Panova – Las Positas College, Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra Scholar
- Gracie Chavez – California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo
- Andrick Delgadillo – Schreiner University
- Patrick McLoughlin – University of Florida
- Jade Meichtry – California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
- Jesse O’Brien – Cuyahoga Community College
- Andres Orozco – Foothill College
- Melanie Orozco Gonzalez – California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo
- Avery Pope – University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Alejandro Ramirez – University of California, Davis
- Tyler Stewart – Brigham Young University
“These students represent some of the best of what’s ahead for irrigation professionals,” said IA CEO Natasha Rankin. “They’re storytellers, innovators and changemakers, bringing passion and a clear understanding of how sustainable irrigation connects to community impact. Supporting their education ensures we’re growing leaders who will shape the next era of water use and stewardship.”
The 2026 Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra Scholarship Program will open in early spring 2026 with a deadline in May. Rain Bird is the exclusive sponsor of the scholarship program through 2026 to honor Rain Bird’s late president and CEO, Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra. To learn more about program requirements and the application process, visit www.irrigation.org/scholarships. Please contact the IA (workforcedev@irrigation.org, 703.536.7080) with any questions.