Each year, the Irrigation Association’s Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra Scholarship program recognizes a group of exceptional students whose passion, dedication and potential reflect a bright future for the irrigation industry. In this special Q&A series, Irrigation & Lighting introduces the 2026 scholarship recipients. These outstanding individuals are already making an impression through their academic achievements, professional goals and commitment to advancing water-efficient practices.
Get to know these emerging leaders as they share their perspectives, inspirations and aspirations, offering a glimpse into the talent and enthusiasm shaping the next generation of our industry.
Tyler Judkins
Las Positas College
What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?
Receiving this scholarship means a lot to me because it will help me advance my education and future career opportunities. I am relatively new to the irrigation field and this scholarship will help me pursue a career that I am passionate about and want to learn as much as I can from.
What are your future plans in the irrigation or broader industry?
My future plans in the irrigation industry are to obtain certifications from the IA as well as attend the upcoming IA show in December. I want to learn as much as I can from classes and hands-on experience to be better at what I do and take pride in my work.
What sparked your interest in this field?
I ran a small landscaping business a few years ago and wanted to branch out into something that was more technical. I started attending Horticulture classes at Las Positas college with a strong interest in irrigation/water conservation and met a great mentor for irrigation there who gave me a job as an irrigation technician.
What advice or encouragement would you give to others exploring this career path?
Some advice that I could give to others looking to make irrigation/landscaping their career is to always look for learning opportunities and to not be afraid to make mistakes.
