Bishop Garcia Diego High School
Attending 4-Year School
BRIAN FORD graduates from Bishop Garcia Diego High School this year and he will attend Loyola Marymount University in the fall. Brian has achieved a 4.0 GPA and he has been named for a Scholar-Athlete award in every semester. A 4-year member of the Soccer team, Brian was selected as the team MVP in 2006. He has also played for 4 years on the Baseball team and for a year on the Football team. When not studying or playing sports, Brian finds time to be an active Boy Scout, to be the editor of the Yearbook, and to participate in the school theater program.
Attending 4-Year School
CHRISTOPHER MORALES is a senior at Bishop Garcia and he is considering California Lutheran University and Santa Barbara City College as his college choices. Chris is interested in majoring in Computer Science or Mathematics. In his essay, Chris talks about the challenge of being a first-generation college student, as his parents did not have the opportunity to finish high school in Mexico. Chris describes his parents as encouraging and caring, and one day he would like to have a good career and help his family economically. Chris has played on the school Football team and he enjoys weightlifting and playing soccer and tennis with friends. He has volunteered at SB Cottage Hospital and is a member of the yearbook staff.
Attending 2-Year School
FAVIOLA URIBE has maintained a 3.2 GPA and she has selected Santa Barbara City College as her college choice. Faviola would like to major in Psychology and she is interested in becoming a Psychologist. At the age of 14, Faviola lost her mother due to cancer. In her essay she writes: “The experience of losing somebody so close and dear to me at an age when I felt I needed her the most was very painful.” Faviola moved through this experience and developed a strong relationship with her father, who she describes as hard-working and supportive. At school, Faviola is a member of Mecha and the photography club, and she has volunteered for community service at a hospice.
Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival
2008-2009 Scholarship Recipients
Carpinteria High School
Attending 4-Year School
ZACHARY RUIZ graduated from Carpinteria High School in January 2008 with a 3.56 GPA, and is making a decision between Humboldt State University and San Diego State University for fall enrollment as a Civil Engineering major. Zachary was able to graduate in 3 ½ years by taking a rigorous course load at CHS and additional classes at Santa Barbara City College, earning an overall GPA of 3.56. Zach was involved in Swim Team, Track/Cross Country, Water Polo, and also worked as a basketball referee at the Carpinteria Boys and Girls Club. Zach has worked every summer since he was 13 years old on an Alaskan commercial fishing boat, where he loved the job and the environment and also earned high praise from the captain.
Attending 2-Year School
MARIA JUAREZ has achieved a solid 3.0 GPA at Carpinteria High School and she plans to attend Santa Barbara City College next year. Maria was born in Guanajuato, Mexico and moved to the United States when she was 12 years old with her parents and four siblings. She is determined to be successful at college and be a good role model for her younger brother and sister. She is undecided regarding her major, but she is interested in cosmetology, fashion design, and perhaps teaching English or French. Maria likes music and dance, and she has participated with the Future Farmers of America club.
Attending 2-Year School
ANDREA VAZQUEZ is a senior at Carpinteria High School with a 3.38 GPA. She will attend Santa Barbara City College in the fall and has a career goal of becoming a Physician’s Assistant. In her essay, Andrea writes: “Both of my parents emigrated from Mexico speaking no English and they are very hard workers. They constantly tell me that I am capable of doing anything and they want me to be successful.” Andrea volunteered at SB Cottage Hospital, which inspired her to consider an occupation in the health care field. She has worked many hours over the last two years at a local restaurant to pay for her personal needs. Her employer states that Andrea is “courteous, hard-working, and a great asset to the business.”
Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival
2008-2009 Scholarship Recipients
Dos Pueblos High School
Attending 4-Year School
LEAH MIRELES has achieved a 4.32 GPA and she plans to attend USC in the fall as a Biological Science major. Leah is working towards a career as a physician and midwife, perhaps to be employed in an international arena with an organization like Doctors Without Borders. Leah helps with the ELAC (English Learner Advisory Committee) for Latino parents at Dos Pueblos, and she co-created an English Language Learner (ELL) Senate translation program, to help ELL students at DPHS become more aware of campus events and issues. Leah serves as ASB Vice President, and is an officer with the Red Cross Club and Junior Statesmen of America. She is on the school Mock Trial team and she has volunteered countless hours at SB Cottage Hospital and Direct Relief International.
Attending 2-Year School
ITZEL PENALOZA LOPEZ will attend Santa Barbara City College in the fall, and she is considering pursuing a major in Psychology. Itzel’s passion is dance, specifically Ballet, and she has been dancing ballet for ten years. In her essay she writes: “Dancing gives meaning to my life and has helped me realize who I want to be. Although to some people Ballet might seem competitive to see who can turn faster or get into the best dance company, I dance to just let myself fly free, be who I am, and use it as an outlet.” Itzel has helped out at Adams Elementary and at her church. A teacher writes: “Itzel sets high expectations and pushes herself to improve. She has a very positive influence on other students.”
Attending 2-Year School
MYRNA “ERIKA” RAMIREZ is described as hard working, upbeat, intelligent, and organized. She is a senior at Dos Pueblos High School and will attend Santa Barbara City College next year. Erika is interested in pursuing both a business degree and training as a nurse. She works 20 hours a week at a busy restaurant and she has donated community service hours at Las Flores Child Care Center and for Planned Parenthood. Coming from a large family, Erika also makes time to help out at home and to give special attention to her nephew. A teacher writes: “Erika is a high quality person. She has rare qualities that will make her an outstanding addition to any college or workplace, and a shining demeanor not only when things are fun, but when things are difficult as well.”
Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival
2008-2009 Scholarship Recipients
El Puente Community School
Attending 2-Year School
ADRINA MULLEY is a senior at El Puente School and will finish this year. She attended Goleta Valley Junior High and Dos Pueblos before transferring to El Puente. Adrina is the single parent of a one-year-old boy, thus much of her time is spent caring for him. Her favorite subject is English because she likes to read. Adrina’s future goals include attending Santa Barbara City College and possibly pursuing a major of Cosmetology. A teacher writes: “Adrina is ready for the next phase in her life. She approaches new challenges with maturity and she has a tremendous work ethic.”
Attending 2-Year School
IRIS URIBE attended Santa Barbara Junior High School and Santa Barbara High School before transferring to El Puente School, where she will graduate in June. Iris is a ward of the court as she was removed from her mother’s home. Iris has struggled a bit and has made some negative choices that led to a stint in juvenile hall, but she states that she has learned from those experiences and is making better choices now. She graduated from the Daniel Bryant program and has been sober for a year, and she is working hard to finish her high school units. Iris plans to get a summer job and she is looking forward to attending Santa Barbara City College in the fall. A teacher writes: “Iris is attempting to better her life, and she is a respectful, mature young lady reaching out for financial help.”
Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival
2008-2009 Scholarship Recipients
La Cuesta High School
Attending 2-Year School
LIANA MENDOZA is a senior studying at La Cuesta, having formerly attended Santa Barbara High School. Her goal is to study for a nursing career at Santa Barbara City College. In her essay she writes: “I want to be the first in my family to attend college. I realize that if I want better in my life, I have to be motivated to do it myself. I have changed my views about school and I am striving to do my best.” Liana works many hours each week as a nanny for a local family, and she pays for all of her own expenses. A teacher writes: “Liana has tremendous character, is confident in her abilities as a student and has the work ethic to make things happen. She will be successful in whatever she pursues.”
Attending 2-Year School
CLAUDIA VILLASENOR PEREZ was born in Mexico and came to the United States at age five. She is one of four sisters and lives with her single mom. Claudia attends La Cuesta High School and is dual-enrolled at Santa Barbara City College. At SBCC she has already earned her C.N.A. certificate and she is interested in pursuing further study in Accounting/Business. Claudia works over 30 hours a week at a local market, where she has been a valued employee and has received several promotions. She has an excellent 3.7 GPA and has done volunteer work at SB Cottage Hospital. Claudia was the recipient of an outstanding student award from the SB Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival
2008-2009 Scholarship Recipients
San Marcos High School
Attending 4-Year School
VIOLETA CASILLAS is a senior at San Marcos High School and she is planning to attend San Diego State University in the fall as a Business major. Violeta has achieved an excellent 4.0 GPA and has taken several honors courses. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has been active on the Cheer & Song team for three years. Violeta is a member of the Speak Against Hate Club, the Royal University Club, the JustCommunities agency, and the Anti-Defamation League. She has completed over 250 hours of community service. A teacher writes: “Violeta holds herself and others to high standards of teamwork, dependability, and quality of work, while maintaining a sense of humor and humility. She has the necessary skills to make significant contributions to the college environment.”
Attending 2-Year School
STACEY GARCIA will attend Santa Barbara City College next year. She is a senior at San Marcos High School with a 3.65 GPA. Stacey has taken several honors courses and she is considering a career as a therapist or teacher. Stacey tutors students at an elementary school, has participated on the Track & Field team as a sprinter, and volunteered hours at Unity Shoppe. She also played a key role in the Kids Helping Kids fundraiser, and finds time to work part-time at a retail store to save money for college costs. Stacey is described by a teacher as: “a very mature, thoughtful young woman who likes to be challenged, and is also committed to helping others and improving the world we live in. Stacey is passionate about learning.”
Attending 2-Year School
TIFFANY VELAZQUEZ has earned a 3.79 GPA at San Marcos High School and she plans to attend Santa Barbara City College next fall. She is interested in studying Early Childhood Education with the goal of becoming a teacher. Tiffany will be the first generation in her family to attend college and she describes her parents as being very encouraging and supportive. Tiffany enjoys working with children and she has completed lots of community service hours at Franklin Elementary School and the Santa Barbara Zoo. In addition, she works part-time at a local restaurant. A teacher writes: “Tiffany has a genuine, positive attitude and great enthusiasm. Outgoing and willing to participate, Tiffany is also kind and humble with excellent intellectual ability.”
Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival
2008-2009 Scholarship Recipients
Santa Barbara High School
Attending 4-Year School
CHRISTIAN VAZQUEZ has achieved an excellent 4.40 GPA and will attend UCLA in the fall with a major in Kinesiology. Since the age of 13 he has played for a nationally ranked club Soccer team and has been a part of the Olympic Development program. In addition, he is a member of the SBHS Boy’s Soccer team. Christian was involved with the Downtown Boys and Girls club as well as the Future Leaders of America. He has been on the Principal’s Honor Roll for four years and is a member of the National Honor Society and CSF. When not playing soccer or studying, Christian has a part-time job as a clerical worker. A counselor writes: “Christian is a bright student and a gifted athlete. He is a well-balanced role model and ready for the challenges of college.”
Attending 2-Year School
JENNIFER ALVAREZ has challenged herself to do well at school, and it shows in her terrific 3.70 GPA. She plans to attend Santa Barbara City College and study for a career as a psychologist or something in the criminal justice field. Jennifer is the youngest of six children and the first to attend college. She learned English in school, as her parents were not bilingual. As a high school senior at Santa Barbara High School, Jennifer is described by a teacher: “Jennifer will be a terrific college student. She has always earned top marks in my classes and she knows how to work through obstacles.” Jennifer works many hours each week as a waitress at retirement homes, and she volunteers to tutor non-English speaking students at her school.
Attending 2-Year School
ERICKA BOBADILLA was born and raised in Santa Barbara and she is now a graduating senior at Santa Barbara High School. Ericka will attend Santa Barbara City College and she is considering studying education and art, with the goal of becoming an art teacher. “I am a dedicated student,” she writes in her essay, “I try to do my best at all times and keep good grades. I am also a shy person, but being quiet allows me to pay attention to learn.” Ericka is a member of the Visual Arts and Design Academy at SBHS and she enjoys creating art. She has three brothers, and the youngest brother is autistic. Ericka states that she has a different perspective on life due to her youngest brother, and she thinks about how to be helpful to him. Achieving a 3.79 GPA, Ericka is described by a teacher as: “dedicated, thoughtful, and extremely reliable and kind.”
Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival
2008-2009 Scholarship Recipients (Santa Maria area)
Pioneer Valley High School
Attending 4-Year School
ANGEL MONTOYA has accomplished notable achievements in his life. He has a 4.24 GPA at Pioneer Valley High School and will attend New York University in the fall. Angel’s father is a farm worker and his mother is a retired teacher that is now battling Lou Gehrig’s disease. Angel’s goal is to study film and perhaps have a career as a screenwriter. He is vice-president of the MESA club, a member of the Spanish Honors Society, and was a member of the Choir and the AP English Society. He has been deeply involved with journalism for the past four years and serves now as Editor in Chief of the school newspaper. A teacher writes: “Angel leads by example and is a top student. I respect him as a student and as a man. I can’t stress enough how much he deserves to be rewarded.”
Righetti High School
Attending 2-Year School
ROSIO IBARRA is interested in studying psychology and her college choices include CSU Northridge, UC Santa Barbara, and San Diego State University. Rosio has a 3.64 GPA and she enjoys a variety of activities, including dancing with Ballet Folklorico and singing with Brotes de Olivo. She is a member of her church youth group and is president of the Righetti Upward Bound group. Rosio is an AVID member, and has done community services hours for the Key Club, helping special education students, and for her church. A teacher writes: “Rosio is a leader. Along with her positive attitude, she possesses good organizational and communication skills. Rosio is a talented student who will be successful in life.”
Santa Maria High School
Attending 4-Year School
BIANCA ARMENTA has achieved a great 4.09 GPA and she will attend UC San Diego in the fall. She is undecided about her major but is considering a career in social work. A teacher writes: “Bianca is amazing. I am absolutely certain of her success in university academics. She leads others with ease and demonstrates wonderful adaptability. Moreover, her ability to maintain relationships with a large and diverse number of people, her competitive spirit, and her integrity indicate she possesses many of the character traits of highly successful people.” Bianca has played on both the Basketball and Volleyball teams for several years, is a member of AVID, Mecha, and her youth group, and has participated in the drama program. She also finds time to work as a part-time carrier for the Santa Maria newspaper.
St. Joseph High School
Attending 4-Year School
SAMUEL OROZCO is a senior at St. Joseph High School and he has earned a 4.07 GPA. Sam’s college choices include the University of San Diego, St. Mary’s College, and Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo. He is considering the study of Business or Psychology. Sam is the fifth of nine children and he states in his essay: “Being the middle child has helped me to become insightful, caring, and spiritual. I see life as a wonderful thing and want to enjoy it fully and make a positive impact on other people’s lives.” Sam has been a four-year member of the Cross Country team and he has also played on the Tennis team. He has also been active with the Chess club, the Key club, and as an ASB officer. |