This fall, Golden State Foods (GSF) awarded $44,000 in scholarships to 73 associates and their family members around the globe for the 2024–2025 GSF Scholarship Program. Recipients earned recognition based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, character, and financial need. In a milestone year, GSF’s three decades of higher education support saw record numbers of both applications and scholarships awarded. Since the program’s inception, GSF has contributed nearly $550,000 to help cover expenses like tuition, books, and school supplies.
This year’s application posed an essay question to scholars: “Nine-time Olympic swimming champion Mark Spitz once said, ‘If you fail to prepare, you’re prepared to fail.’ What do you think he meant by this, and how is this quote applicable to your life/academic career?
“To me, this means that thorough preparation is essential for accomplishing goals and overcoming challenges effectively. The pressures and responsibilities never falter, and learning to navigate life with a steady hold can only lead me to a path of success.” – Lizbeth Cazares, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing (daughter of Juan Carlos, GSF Conyers)
“Preparation can mean an array of different things. But to put it simply, I would break it down into two objectives: creating a plan and putting in effort. A strong plan is the first step in preparation. Without a strong plan, the idea will crumble. However, having a strong plan means nothing without taking steps to complete it.” – Alec Waddell, Golden West College (son of Mylene Contant, GSF City of Industry Manufacturing)
“It is important to acknowledge failure as a crucial part of the journey toward success. Failure has allowed me to grow when I learn from my mistakes.” – Alexandra Benavente-Reyes, University of California, Los Angeles (daughter of Carlos Benavente, GSF City of Industry Manufacturing)
“Preparation, undoubtedly, is pivotal—it equips us with the knowledge, skill, and confidence needed to tackle challenges effectively. Yet I’ve learned firsthand that excessive focus on preparation can sometimes obscure a more critical element: self-belief.” – Mollie Banstetter, University of North Texas (daughter of Dina Feragotti, GSF Burleson)
“This principle holds across various domains of life, whether in sports, academics, or professional endeavors. Spitz, a nine-time Olympic swimming champion, speaks from a wealth of experience where rigorous preparation was crucial to his success. His quote underscores the idea that success does not occur by accident but is the result of deliberate, consistent efforts to be ready for the challenges that lie ahead.” – Valerid Navia, Arizona State University (daughter of Oscar Navia, QCD Miami)
Congratulations to all of the 2024–2025 GSF Scholarship Program recipients!