Petaluma’s best and brightest rewarded with scholarships
The numbers tell part of the story. Last week at the 26th annual Petaluma Educational Foundation Scholarship Reception, PEF handed out 315 scholarships, providing $208,300 in scholarship funds to the best and the brightest of Petaluma’s graduating seniors.
But the numbers only tell part of the story. They don’t tell what the scholarships, donated by businesses, individuals and service clubs from throughout the community, and administered by PEF, mean to those who receive and those who gives.
Observed PEF Executive Director Maureen Highland: “It was an incredible night. The highlight for me was when a 2015 grad from Petaluma High came up to present his newly established scholarship, and shared how he received a scholarship from PEF last year, and as a student with a learning disability, he felt that he was recognized for his hard work like never before. The experience inspired him to work all summer and save his money to start the Lift Off Scholarship for students with learning difficulties.
“Such a special moment demonstrated to all those present that anyone can support students in this way - with as little as $500 - and make a difference in the life of a young adult.
“There was a very emotional reaction from the crowd of more than 600 guests. We already have some people offering to contribute to keep the scholarship going since he did put all his available money into this year’s award.”
The recipients
Alphabet Soup Thrift Store?Scholarship:
Minimum GPA: 3.0 and will pursue a career in fashion or merchandising and attending a 2-4 year college, trade or vocational school.
Austin Martin PHS $250
Jocelyn Stokely PHS $2500
ATHLETA Scholarship
Minimum GPA: 2.5 to a female athlete, who has team spirit, demonstrates teamwork, a positive attitude and who plans to continue her education at a 2-4 year school.
Gabrielle Banaszek CGHS $1,000
Marie Montoya Herrera CGHS $1,000
Trey Atkin Memorial Scholarship
Minimum GPA: 2.5, PHS student and must have played high school Varsity basketball and will attend a 4-year college or university.
Emily DeCarli PHS $500
Cole Murrin PHS $500
Baldwin, McGaughey & Co. CPA Scholarship
Minimum GPA: 3.0 and will pursue a higher education degree in accounting or business.
Megan Stavish PHS $750
Andrea & John Barella Vocational Scholarship
Minimum GPA: 2.0 and has been involved in the Industrial Arts or Agricultural Science program and will pursue a higher education degree or certificate in an industrial arts or vocational trade program.
Jorge Becerra-Araiza PHS $500
Alexander Piehl PHS $500
Gene Benedetti Memorial Scholarship
Minimum GPA: 2.5 and will pursue a higher education degree in agriculture or athletics.
Amanda Charles PHS $1,250
Megan Groverman CGHS $1,250
Alexia Martinez CGHS $1,250
Robert Tunzi PHS $1,250
Carol Brandner ROP/Occupations with Children
Minimum GPA: 2.5 and must have completed one year in ROP Occupations with Children Program and will pursue a career related to children.
Joy Jovick CGHS $400
Bug Under Glass Scholarship
Minimum GPA: 2.8 and be attending a 2-4 year college or university to pursue a career in Biology, Zoology or Natural Science.
Madison Johnson-Reed PHS $500
Dan Caletti Memorial Scholarship
Minimum GPA: 2.5 and will pursue a career in Ag and attending a 2-4 year college, trade or vocational school.
Carly Olufs PHS $500
Heather Campbell Sports Medicine Scholarship
Minimum GPA: 2.0, CGHS student and will pursue a career in sports medicine/athletic training and will attend a 2-4 year college.
Caitlin Millar CGHS $250
Frances Casella Wildlife Management Scholarship
Minimum GPA: 2.0 and will pursue a degree in fish & game management, conservation of wildlife and in the avocation of hunting and fishing.
Elizabeth Slick CGHS $500
Max Cerini Memorial Scholarship
Minimum GPA: 2.5 and will pursue a higher education degree in the construction or building industry.
Zane Overton PHS $900
Luke Wheless PHS $900
Cleveland U’Ren Teen Mother?Scholarship
Minimum GPA: 2.0, teen mother who will attend a trade/vocational school, apprenticeship/certificate program, 2 or 4 year college.
Esmeralda Hernandez PHS $800
Stephen P. Collins English Language Learners Scholarship
Minimum GPA: 2.5 and must have been enrolled in an ESL program at any time K-12 and who will attend trade/vocational school, apprenticeship/certificate program, 2 or 4-year college.
Juan Lopez-Lopez CGHS $750
Marie Montoya Herrera CGHS $750
Stephanie Sosa PHS $750
Community Achievement Awards
Students achieving Top Ten GPA at PHS & CGHS and Top Five GPA at SVHS. On April 5, 2016 the following students were honored:
Mireya Arango PHS $500
Reily Cannon CGHS $500
Ryan Cardiff PHS $500
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