A shout-out to Sheila Canzian, Jeff Lowenstein, & the Scholarship Committees for again interviewing applicants and selecting a group of absolutely outstanding students who are well-prepared for and excited about the next chapter in their academic careers. A day full of powerful stories of success, excited plans for the future, and a taco spread quickly devoured!
community college scholarships
15 students heading to community college were honored at the luncheon. Pictured here are Elizabeth "Eli" Garcia Arias and Bryan Villanueva-Hernandez who both spoke about their plans for the future. Bryan will play football at CSM and pursue kinesiology as his academic specialty. Eli gave a moving speech of her life challenges and her commitment to attending college. By the time she finished, many Rotarians were wiping away tears.
4-year college scholarships
Fall Quarter will see 18 Rotary Scholarship recipients heading off to a 4-year college. Almar "AJ" Cruz Parada & Daniel Foad spoke on behalf of this group. AJ spoke of how much the scholarship means to him because he won't have to take out any federal loans or apply for federal work/study hours. He's heading to Seattle University where he'll study Biochemistry. Daniel Foad will soon graduate from Serra and gave an inspirational speech without notes about the importance of strength & community. He's heading to CalPoly SLO to study construction management and hopes to work in the affordable housing field.
The next generation?
By far the youngest attendee at the luncheon enjoyed watching her mom receive her scholarship. Perhaps this little one will be the recipient of a Rotary Scholarship 18 years from now and be the 2nd generation in her family to attend college?
mea culpa!
with profoundapologies to
ron borelli who shared his musical talents at the gala & to vic carboni whose Taylor Swift AI moment is a wonder to behold!
