Three students from Ceres High School will be among those honored during the Ceres Chamber of Commerce 32nd Annual Agribusiness Awards Luncheon on Thursday, May 18, at Diamond Bar Arena. The Chamber will also recognize the Ag Man and Woman of the Year, the Grant Lucas Memorial Award recipient and the Agribusiness of the Year respectively.

Each year, the Chamber's ag scholarship committee reviews many applications and selects high school recipients based on grades, contributions to ag-related activities in and after school, and aspirations of upper education and career direction. The scholarship recipients each will receive a $500 agriculture scholarship from the Ceres Chamber. The winners of the community awards will be announced during the luncheon. The event's keynote address will be given by Turlock Irrigation District Board Director Ron Macedo.

"The Chamber is especially thankful to Shane and Kim Parson, owners of Diamond Bar Arena, for hosting this year's event. This will allow us to keep costs to a minimum and raise more money for future scholarships. Plus it adds so much to the ambiance of this event," said Chamber President Renee Ledbetter. The students are recognized for their work in all areas of agricultural studies, some including their help in maintaining the 6.5-acre Ceres Agriculture Center, donated by the Ceres Unified School District. Students working at the Ag Center are in charge of planting, tending and harvesting row crops, fruits and vegetables for the district's Child Nutrition school lunch program.

The annual luncheon serves as the main fundraiser for the Chamber's ag-related scholarships given to Ceres High School and Central Valley High School students each year. Tickets for the event are $20 and may be purchased in the Chamber office or by phone at 537-2601. Full table rates are also available. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

Numerous contributions are made to bring this event to fruition, including meat and beans donated by Diamond Bar Arena, barbecue prepared by the Ceres Lions Club, water by the Varni Brothers Corporation and salad by the ag students of Ceres.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available and information can be found on the Chamber's website at www.CeresChamber.com. For more information about this call the Chamber office at 537-2601.