Lt. Gov Announces 505 Southwestern New Mexico True Scholar For 2019

Lt. Gov. Howie Morales announced Monday the 2019 scholarship recipient of the 505 Southwestern New Mexico True Scholars program.

The scholarship aims to recognize passion for the future of agriculture in New Mexico, and was awarded to Animas High School senior Ty Wagley.

“Our youth are the leaders of tomorrow. Being able to present Ty with this $5,000 scholarship—to reach his dreams and goal of studying Agronomy at New Mexico State University—is a great honor," Morales said. "We are grateful for 505 Southwestern and the New Mexico Community Foundation for partnering with the state Tourism Department to provide this scholarship to New Mexico high school seniors."

Wagley lives in Animas in southwest New Mexico. He grew up working on his family’s farm, which helped him gain invaluable life skills and his passion to pursue a degree and career in Agronomy.

Wagley managed to maintain a cumulative 4.0 GPA in high school while playing sports and volunteering in his community. He is the president of his 4-H club and Future Farmers of America club.

“Ty has proven he is a dedicated and devoted student who exemplifies what it means to be New Mexico True,” Tourism Department Cabinet Secretary Jen Schroer said. "We are excited to see Ty achieve his goals."

“The future of agriculture is bright, and when young professionals like Ty set their goals to be part of this dynamic industry, New Mexico and the world are the beneficiaries,” New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte said. “Ty and his generation will continue the traditions of the past, while creating opportunities for the future. It is exciting to see and experience this revolution.”

The 505 Southwestern New Mexico True Scholars scholarship program, a partnership between Flagship Food Group’s 505 Southwestern brand and New Mexico True, will award $5,000 to one New Mexico high school senior each year.

“Here at Flagship, the dire importance of the agricultural industry is not lost on us. Our business relies on the unique green chile of New Mexico, and this allows us to help foster the next generation of farmers and entrepreneurs in New Mexico,” said Flagship Food Group Chief Executive Officer Rob Holland.

Applicants must be graduating seniors of a New Mexico high school, plan to attend an accredited college or university in New Mexico full time beginning the following fall, and demonstrate a commitment to making an impact in the agricultural industry or overall economy of food and agriculture of New Mexico.

The application for the 2020 scholarship will open in the fall of 2020. Full eligibility requirements and the application may be found online at NewMexico.org/505TrueScholars.