Donald and Barbara Hart (Memorial Scholarship)

The Donald & Barbara Hart Memorial Scholarship was established by the Harts’ grandson, Matthew Simis in 2021.

Don, a native of Texas, and Barb, who was born and raised in Salinas, met in Arroyo Seco when Don was working for his sister-in-law’s family at Miller’s Lodge. They married in 1949 and spent a majority of their lives together residing in the Salinas area. Don founded Royal Packing Company, a lettuce grower-shipper, with his brother Jack and their partner Ted Nelson in 1948 and ran the business until they sold it to Dole in 1990. Barb passed away in 2009 and Don passed in 2019 at 91 years of age. They would be proud to know they are helping to support future generations working towards careers in agriculture.