Big Creek Lumber offers skilled trades scholarship for students
Seven students received scholarships during 2025 cycle
– Big Creek Lumber announced the return of the McCrary Family Scholarship for a sixth consecutive year as the company marks its 80th anniversary in 2026.
The company established the scholarship in 2021 during its 75th anniversary to honor the McCrary family, which has owned and operated the business since its founding in 1946. The scholarship provides financial support to students pursuing careers in manufacturing, construction, maintenance, agriculture, or forestry.
In 2025, the scholarship was awarded to seven students from communities across the Central Coast and beyond. Recipients included Aiden Fay of Scotts Valley High School in Scotts Valley, studying forestry and fire science; Brody Legions of Watsonville High School in Watsonville, studying landscape architecture; Ernesto Frausto-Serna of Soquel High School in Soquel, studying diesel mechanics; Hannah Bourgault of Paso Robles High School in Paso Robles, studying forestry and fire science; Lauren Lange of Hollister High School in Hollister, studying agriculture business; Noah Nicholas of Novato High School in Novato, studying forestry; and Sawyer Tankersley of Gilroy High School in Gilroy, studying forestry.
Big Creek Lumber plans to award additional scholarships in 2026. Past recipients may apply for a one-time renewal scholarship to support continued education.
The McCrary Family Scholarship honors the legacy of Big Creek Lumber co-founders Bud McCrary and Lud McCrary. Organizers said the scholarship also recognizes skilled tradespeople and forestry professionals connected to the company.
Students interested in applying may find information and access the application at www.bigcreeklumber.com/scholarships.
Big Creek Lumber Company has operated since 1946 and remains family-owned. The McCrary family has lived and worked on the Central Coast for seven generations. The company operates a sawmill, a wholesale sales department, six Pro Dealer lumberyards, a forestry department, and a logging operation. More information about the company is available at www.bigcreeklumber.com.
