Preserving our Western heritage one scholarship at a time
2027 dates To be announced
PENDLETON CATTLE BARONS SCHOLARSHIPS
It’s about scholarships!
Pendleton Cattle Barons Weekend was established as a non-profit in 2008 to showcase western heritage, with the purpose of providing scholarships for the next generation to keep the tradition alive.
The Pendleton Cattle Barons Scholarship Program was designed to benefit students pursuing agricultural careers. Our past scholarship recipients have achieved degrees that led to careers such as agricultural business owners, large animal veterinarians and even agricultural lawyers among others.
100% of the proceeds of the Pendleton Cattle Barons Weekend create scholarships for regional students attending college and majoring in agriculture. Within the last few years, Pendleton Cattle Barons weekend event was able to raise in excess of $25,000.00 for our scholarship program! The Pendleton Cattle Barons weekend also infuses more than 1.2 million into our local economy with over 3000 in attendance each year. By attending the event you are helping to support these students and the future of the agriculture industry.
Preserving our western heritage one scholarship at a time
Alexa Marandas
Pendleton Cattle Barons Scholarship
I am the 24-year-old daughter of Steve and Johna Marandas of Sauvie Island, OR. I was raised on my family’s Simmental x Angus operation (based in both Sauvie Island, OR and Long Creek, OR) where I was horseback from a young age. After completing an Honors Bachelor of Science in Biology at Oregon State University in 2024, I am now a 2nd year veterinary student at the Gary R. Carlson MD College of Veterinary Medicine at OSU. Upon completing this program, I plan to participate in a 1-year large animal/equine internship before going into practice. Although I am not a Pendleton native, this place is nothing short of home for me. I am heavily involved with the Pendleton Round-Up: in 2022, I served as a Princess on the Court, and since then I have volunteered horseback on the Grand Entry and Run Out crews. Horses have always been a huge part of my life. I grew up on ranch horses and later became involved in the sport of 3-Day-Eventing, where I earned the coveted USPC “A” certification in 2023 along with only 3 other individuals nation-wide. I was also selected for the USEA Emerging Athletes program. I currently teach a pony club in Corvallis, OR while bringing up my next eventing prospect while completing my DVM. Something I really appreciate about Pendleton Cattle Barons weekend is that it is the ultimate showcase of the equine athlete, and the ever-important utility of these animals for sustaining our way of life. It is truly a treat to watch these horses work and continue to contribute to our industry.
RyLee Demianew
Pendleton Cattle Barons Scholarship
I am from Pendleton, Oregon. This March, I completed my bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science at Oregon State University, and I am currently in the Accelerated Master’s Program for Agricultural Education. After finishing my degree, I plan to become a high school AgriScience teacher and FFA advisor. Agriculture isn’t just something I study, it’s a huge part of who I am. It’s my heritage. My great-great-great-grandmother, Elizabeth Hemphill, homesteaded on our family’s land in 1865 along Stewart Creek in Umatilla County. Knowing that my family has been part of agriculture for generations makes it even more meaningful to me. Throughout my time at OSU, I’ve been involved in a variety of organizations and experiences that have strengthened both my knowledge and passion for agriculture. I helped reestablish the Agriculture Education Club at Oregon State after it had died out, and we’ve worked hard to rebuild it into a strong community for students interested in teaching and ag education. I was also selected as a National #TeachAg Ambassador, where I had the opportunity to advocate for agricultural education on a national level. I am currently an intern with Oregon Ag in the Classroom, where I help develop and share educational materials and assist with outreach events to teach students about agriculture. I’ve also gained a lot of hands-on experience through my involvement in the Steer-A-Year Club. Through this program, I’ve helped care for and manage cattle, assisted with vaccinations and herd health, and attended events like the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association Conference.
My favorite part of the Pendleton Cattle Barons weekend is the strong sense of community it represents. Agriculture is built on relationships, and it’s clear how much people care about supporting one another and the future of the industry. Pendleton Cattle Barons brings together producers and community members who are passionate about agriculture and committed to supporting students like myself. It’s more than just an event; it’s a way to invest in the next generation of leaders in agriculture. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of a community that values agriculture and education, and I look forward to continuing to give back and help others understand the importance of the ranching and agriculture community.
Jack Reynolds
Pendleton Cattle Barons Scholarship
After I graduate from Pendleton High School I will attend Eastern Oregon University to major in Biology in hopes of becoming a wildlife biologist. I am extremely passionate about all things outdoors including fishing, big game, and waterfowl. As a biologist I will pursue these interests at a more professional level as a daily part of my job, monitoring species habits and populations. I have taken multiple advanced placement biology classes while in high school and they helped influence this decision. I have positioned myself for future success in college by taking advanced placement courses in math and science throughout high school which will provide me with a strong academic foundation to build upon. In addition, my experience in athletics and work has provided me with valuable skills such as responsibility, hard work ethic and a desire to be successful. My favorite part of the Cattle Baron’s weekend is the dog sale. I find it amazing that these dogs are trained so well and perform so precisely based on verbal and hand commands. I know how valuable a good dog can be to a rancher and I also like to see the work that their trainer puts into them paying off. Overall, I enjoy all aspects of the Cattle Baron weekend, but the dogs are definitely my favorite part.
Vance Nelson
Pendleton Cattle Barons Scholarship
In the future I plan to pursue a degree in Forestry and Forest Management while playing Baseball at Umpqua Community College. I have a deep and abiding love for the outdoors. I’ve grown up in the sheep and cattle industry requiring me to be a steward of the land. I am also an avid outdoorsman and can often be found hunting or fishing. I understand what it takes to have a healthy ecosystem for both wildlife and livestock management. With this degree I plan to further my knowledge in forestry ecosystem management and develop a career within the private forestry industry to better support healthy, sustainable land for abundant wildlife and livestock cohabitability. My favorite part about The Pendleton Cattle Barons is the Ranch Saddle Bronc Riding. It’s always a treat to see two athletes (Cowboy and Horse) come together to perform as one. The nerve it takes from the cowboy to get in the chute, knowing that it's going to be a brawl for eight seconds is truly a testament to Cowboy spirit and the western way of life.
Cidney Estes
Pendleton Cattle Barons Scholarship
I am a senior at Tarleton State University graduating with my Bachelor’s degree in Ag Business this spring. I am an eastern Oregon native, originally from Hermiston, and have lived in Stephenville, Texas for the past three years. After this, I plan to return to Tarleton to pursue my Master’s of Business Administration. With this, I want to help agricultural businesses through the financial aspect of operating their enterprises as a farm credit officer. Growing up, I was actively involved in FFA, 4-H, and rodeo. I competed at the highest level of FFA while also serving as a leadership officer multiple years. I showed cattle in 4-H and served our community through these organizations. I have been a part of the rodeo industry for such a long time and decided to continue my rodeo career on the Tarleton State Rodeo Team. My favorite part about the Pendleton Cattle Barons weekend is the ranch rodeo, specifically the team branding, as I have competed in it in past years and will again this year. I also love watching the horse sale and seeing close friends sell their great horses through this sale.
Wyatt Suchorski
Randy Severe Memorial Scholarship
I am a 20-year-old who is completing my sophomore year at Blue Mountain Community College where I compete on the rodeo team. My events are team roping (heeling side) and tie down roping. I am going for my associates of science and will transfer to a university to get my Bachelor in Animal Science. I come from a ranching family in California and graduated from Dayville High as Valedictorian. I have been in the cattle and rodeo world my whole life. It all started with going to rodeos as a kid alongside my dad. As soon as I was able, I was always there helping my parents with their cowherd and growing my own registered Hereford and Angus herd, which allowed me to travel competitively all over the Northwest showing beef cattle I raised. I will use all the knowledge and contacts I've met along the way to become a Beef Nutritionist and serve dairies and feedlots. I currently work full time at Burns Saddlery building saddles and all types of western tack and accessories. I intend to use this scholarship to further my knowledge and experience in the Western artistry sector, mostly building saddles and other leatherwork. My favorite part of Pendleton Cattle Barons is the ranch rodeo, and watching the horses work to show their skills off in the arena. I also find walking through the trade show a great addition to the event. I enjoy seeing all the art for sale the most from the trade show. It is a great inspiration for my hobbies and gives me confidence to be creative and think outside the box for my career ahead.