Scholarship Program
NORTH FLORIDA FAIR ASSOCIATION PROUDLY PRESENTS
THE LLOYD RHODEN AGRICULTURAL SCHOLARSHIP
Each year, the North Florida Fair Association proudly awards the Lloyd Rhoden Agricultural Scholarship to outstanding students pursuing a future in agriculture. This scholarship honors the legacy of Lloyd Rhoden, former Fair Manager and Leon County Extension Director, by supporting young people with a passion for agricultural advancement and community involvement.
SCHOLARSHIP OVERVIEW
- Two $1,000 scholarships awarded annually
- Renewable for up to 4 years
- For students majoring in agriculture at a Florida institution
- Established in 1985 to honor Lloyd Rhoden
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Must be a graduating high school senior from a county that places an agricultural exhibit in the North Florida Fair
Must demonstrate a sincere interest in agriculture through 4-H, FFA, or related activities
Must meet academic requirements and maintain continuous enrollment
Must be nominated by a County Extension faculty member or Vocational Agriculture instructor. Click here for the Nomination Form
Deadline: March 28
Recipients Announced: April 15
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
PROGRAM IMPACT
2025 RECIPIENTS
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
Crisanto Arellano
GADSDEN COUNTY
Crisanto Arellano, Jr, recipient of one of our 2025 Lloyd Rhoden Agricultural Scholarships, is in his last year of High School at Florida State University School.
He plans on attending college next year at the University of South Florida to study Agricultural Economics, eventually to become a lawyer to pursue his passion for advocating for farmers and the agricultural community.
Living on a farm for over 5 years has shown Crisanto the strong work ethics needed to care for the animals. As a member of the Gadsden County 4-H since the age of 9, Crisanto has shown cows and pigs at various fairs throughout Florida, Alabama and Georgia, as well as the North Florida Fair. He has been involved in 4-H, holding Club President and Vice President offices for several years. Crisanto also served on the North Florida Fair Youth Advisory Committee from 2022-2023.
Crisanto is an Achievement Medallion of Excellence Award recipient, a National Honor Society member, Rhu Kappa Social Studies Honor Society member, among other honors. He is a member of 4-H Livestock and 4-H Leadership.
Crisanto writes “Blending my two passions for politics and agriculture will take me to endless possibilities.”
Natalie Smith
TAYLOR COUNTY
Natalie Smith, recipient of one of our 2025 Lloyd Rhoden Agricultural Scholarship, is a senior at Aucilla Christian Academy and planning to attend Santa Fe College next year to study Agricultural Law.
Living on a rural farm, Natalie learned early on the responsibilities and hard work that goes into the caring of the animals, tending the garden and harvesting fruit. To Natalie, “farming is not just an occupation, it’s a way of life that demands adaptability, resilience and a commitment.”
A 4-H member of the Taylor County Livestock Club, Natalie has been involved in livestock judging, the setup and crafting of the 4-H exhibit and the photography competition.
Natalie feels that “small family-owned farms are facing more regulations and financial challenges, from trade regulations, corporate pressure, land disputes, and changes in government regulations. I want to spend my career helping those who work diligently to feed their communities, guaranteeing that family farms and land remain with those who worked them for generations.”
PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS
2024
Caroline Harrell
McKenzie Locke