Bakersfield Jockey Club

05/28/2026

The 6th and final $1000 scholarship was awarded to Highland High School’s Jordyn Dutto. A 3-sport athlete, who captained each of her teams for 2 years or more, will be attending Cal Poly SLO next year.

Jordyn’s participation in community and on campus organizations is beyond impressive. She was president, vice-president, or secretary of no less than 5 clubs, including National Honors Society President. What made this presentation special was that it was kept a secret from Jordyn until she was walked up to the office, where her parents, close friends, administration and the BJC were waiting.

Pictured: Ron Valenti (BJC President), Melissa Donez (Principal), Jordyn Dutto (Recipient), Karen Odle (BJC Executive Director), and Justin Finch (Athletic Director).

05/27/2026

Our fourth recipient is East High School’s Football and Track athlete, Levi Delgado. He was awarded a $1000 Bakersfield Jockey Club scholarship. Levi’s impressive athletic accomplishments, 4.48 GPA, and PEAAK Award recipient, will be attending Brigham Young University after he completes a two-year mission. Talented and humble young man.

Pictured: James Dominguez (Athletic Director), Megan Mawson (Assistant Principal), Ron Valenti (BJC President), Levi Delgado (Recipient), Karen Odle (BJC Executive Director), and Carla Stallworth (Principal).

05/26/2026

Here is our 4th Bakersfield Jockey Club Scholarship recipient, Avia Meza, a multi-sport athlete from Ridgeview High School.

Avia is nothing short of amazing, participating in Track and Basketball, while playing in the school band. She has been accepted and will attend UC Berkeley next year with plans to become a Neurosurgeon. She, not only is a Jockey Club winner, but also won the prestigious Jim Tyack award this year.

Pictured: Shane Koerner (AD), Lauren Figueroa (Counselor), Ron Valenti (BJC President), Chris Arguello (Track Coach), Avia Meza, Eric Singleton (Basketball Coach), Karen Odle (BJC Executive Director), Drew Parker (Assist. Principal), Tai Alvarado (Assist. Principal), Roger Sanchez (Principal), and Rob Martens (Band Director).

05/25/2026

Our third recipient is Humberto Banegas from West High School.

Humberto was an award-winning soccer defenseman with a 4.4 GPA. His mother was diagnosed with cancer, and he worked by filing tax returns for under privileged families. He is attending University of California at Irvine next year.

Pictured: Scott Davisson (AD), Ron Valenti (BJC President), Humberto Banegas (soccer captain), Stephen Granucci (Principal), Karen Odle (BJC Executive Director), Hayward Cox (Assistant Principal).

05/24/2026

Congratulations to our first 2 recipients for the Bakersfield Jockey Club Scholarship. Both from Shafter High school!

Kyla Schooley: A multi-talented athlete and leader, both on the field and in the community.  A 4.375 GPA, multi-sport athlete, has received no less than 2 dozen awards and honors for her accomplishments on the volleyball and basketball courts which she served as multi-year captain for both.  Doing this all after a junior-year diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes.  Her diagnosis morphed into Kyla going out into the Shafter community and speaking to raise awareness about chronic illnesses.  Among many other school leadership roles, she also served as school’s Commissioner of Athletics, advocating for female sports.

Ezekiel Osborne: A standout three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and track who combined athletic excellence with academic achievement, leadership, and community service. As quarterback, he led his team to a California State championship appearance and earned league MVP honors while maintaining a 4.188 GPA. In addition to serving as ASB Commissioner of Athletics, Ezekiel volunteered through programs such as Reading Across America and service projects at the Ronald McDonald House. He also advocated for athletic equality through presentations to the California State Senate, CIF State Board, and City of Shafter Board of Directors.

Pictured: Ron Valenti (BJC President), Ezekiel Osborne, Kyla Schooley, and Megan Garan (BJC Secretary)

05/24/2026

Photos from our May 7th awards in Kern Valley are now available on Facebook album!

05/24/2026

05/24/2026

Photos from our May 5th awards are now available on Facebook album!

05/06/2026

We’re proud to introduce the 11 student-athletes who will be honored at our upcoming Bakersfield Jockey Club Breakfast Awards for Kern Valley High School.

This outstanding group represents the dedication, discipline, and hard work that continue to define student-athletics in our community, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements on May 7th at Paradise Cove Resort.

☕️ Breakfast: 8:00 AM
🏅 Ceremony: 8:30 AM

05/06/2026

We’re honored to welcome Alan Paradise as the guest presenter for our upcoming Bakersfield Jockey Club Breakfast Awards.

A former All-American wrestler at CSUB, Alan went on to build an impactful career as a wrestling coach, educator, and administrator. Along the way, he earned multiple Coach of the Year honors, served as Tournament Director for the CIF State Wrestling Championships, and was recently inducted into the Foothill High School Hall of Fame for his contributions to athletics and education.

Join us on May 7th at Paradise Cove Resort as we recognize our outstanding student-athletes.

☕️ Breakfast: 8:00 AM
🏅 Awards Ceremony: 8:30 AM