Caitlin Paulus Case, CEO of SEEAG, gives a speech about the impact SEEAG’s supporters have on their communities.

SEEAG recently hosted its second annual Summer Celebration at Vega Vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley, bringing together community supporters, volunteers, educators, and friends to celebrate the impact of agricultural education across Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

The afternoon was an opportunity to express our gratitude to the many individuals, organizations, and community partners who make SEEAG’s work possible. Guests enjoyed fresh food, wine, and mimosas from Vega Vineyards, conversation, a live auction, paddle raise, and raffle—all while learning more about the programs their support makes possible.

One highlight of the celebration was a moving speech from Aurora Arellano, a SEEAG STEM Research Competition finalist who placed second and a dedicated SEEAG volunteer. Aurora shared her personal experiences with SEEAG and reflected on how her involvement has shaped her interests and future goals. From weed-whacking at Southbank Learning Farm to presenting her research project on groundwater overdraft, Aurora has consistently gone above and beyond to support SEEAG and give back to her community.

The celebration also featured a heartfelt original poem written and performed by DeeJane Perkins, capturing the spirit of community and service that is at the heart of SEEAG.

SEEAG was honored to recognize several outstanding supporters, including Tyler Dickenson, a high school teacher and FFA advisor who has consistently supported our programs and Farm Days through student volunteers; Ruben Alarcon, whose contributions to SEEAG’s STEM curriculum and Advisory Committee have helped launch a new junior beekeeping program; and ZaNiyah Leekins, who supported SEEAG through Allan Hancock College’s fellowship program throughout the 2025–2026 school year.

We also celebrated longtime partners Plantel Nurseries and Mike Roberts of McGrath Family Farms for their continued commitment to agricultural education and opportunities for young people.

Throughout the event, guests explored interactive booths featuring SEEAG programs including Farm Day, Farm-to-Food Lab, Youth Wellness Initiative, and STEM Career Pathways in Agriculture. These hands-on displays offered a glimpse into students’ experiences throughout the year and the impact of community support.

And thanks to the incredible generosity of our guests, we raised $60,201! These funds will directly support SEEAG’s efforts to connect more students and communities with agriculture, STEM learning, and hands-on educational experiences.

A special thank-you goes to Vega Vineyards for generously hosting us in such a beautiful setting. With sunshine, plenty of shade, laughter, and meaningful conversations, it was a wonderful afternoon celebrating the people who make SEEAG’s work possible.

We are deeply grateful to every donor, volunteer, educator, community partner, and supporter who continues to invest in the next generation. The Summer Celebration was more than a celebration of what SEEAG has accomplished; it celebrated the community that makes that work possible.