Back Row: Dean Archer (Agriculture Instructor), Michael Titus (Brother), Richard Schmidig (Linden High Principal), Clay Titus (Father), Daniel Titus (Recipient), Michael Gonzales (Linden Unified Superintendent), Chris Lemos (Agriculture Instructor), Jane Steincamp (Linden Unified Assistant Superintendent)
Front Row: Katie Titus (Sister), Sandy Titus (Mother), Jennifer Titus (Sister)

Not only is Daniel Titus the first student in California to receive the scholarship, he is also the first high school junior to receive the award, marking two milestones in the scholarship's history.

During a surprise ceremony full of friends, family, well-wishers, and Titus' teachers, Titus received a large $500 check to go towards his college of choice. He was nominated by his agriculture teacher and FFA adviser, Heather Dyk, who says Titus serves as the ideal role model to his younger and older peers.

"Words cannot explain Daniel's impact on our school and community," Dyk said. "He's the type of student who makes me want to better myself as a teacher in order to make sure my students are receiving every opportunity possible."

Titus is well-known and respected among the community, and is especially notorious for his heart and generosity. He was voted the Associated Student Body Junior Class Vice President and is the commissioner for Taking Real Leadership, a freshman transition program where seniors and juniors mentor incoming freshman for the year. Titus also plays on the school's Varsity football team, and recently became a semifinalist for the national 2011 High School Rudy Award.

He currently serves as president at his school's FFA Chapter - a remarkable honor for a junior within the program. As an incoming freshman in the FFA, Titus started a Market Hog Breeding Project which now has three breeding sows. All piglets are sold as potential show hogs to other Linden FFA Chapter members. Through the FFA, Titus has achieved many noteworthy accolades, including: FFA Swine Production Proficiency Award, FFA Star Greenhand, and FFA Star Chapter Farmer.

"The best advice I ever received was from my dad. He taught me to lead by example and to always do the right thing, even if it was not the most popular thing," Titus said. "My dad has supported me through everything and has shown me that anything can be accomplished through hard work."

Titus plans on attending California Polytechnic State University upon graduating high school, and is interested in pursuing a degree in Agricultural Business.