The Woman’s Club of Vista recently gave a luncheon at the Shadowridge Golf Club in honor of the Vista students who received a total of $12,000 in scholarships from the club. The students, accompanied by their parents and school staff representatives, spoke about their challenges, successes, and plans for the future. The six schools represented were: Murray High, Guajome Park Academy, Rancho Buena Vista High, Vista High, Mission Vista High, and North County Trade Tech High. Previously, various members of the Club personally presented its scholarships at these respective schools.
Vice-Principal David Noble introduced the scholarship winners from Vista High School. Michael Katsaros played water polo, enjoyed giving community service with CSF, and plans to attend MiraCosta. He has found that “you can do anything you put your mind to.” Taurus Samuels played basketball for Vista High School and served as Senior Class Vice-President. He will be playing basketball and studying business at Dartmouth College. Tyra Tate also received a scholarship.
Elizabeth Rojas Gallegos was Valedictorian of Mission Vista High School’s class of 2018. She considers our country to be the land of possibilities: with determination, hard work, and taking advantage of opportunities, success will follow. She will attend UCLA to study biomedical engineering, followed by medical school. Gabriela Hernandez and Levi Widmark also received scholarships.
Rancho Buena Vista High Counselor Colleen Williams introduced its scholarship winners. Luke Gonzales served as ASB President and was a peer counselor. Paulin Milkowski learned time management skills while working two jobs, tutoring, and playing sports. She will be attending Palomar College, planning to major in engineering. Carson Menkes served as the Chairman of the Youth Commission and started a Feminism Club at RBV. Carson, Valedictorian for the Class of 2018, will be attending Yale University to study with her goal to become a neonatal surgeon.
Superintendent Kevin Humphries introduced the scholarship winners from Guajome Park Academy. Emely Ramos plans to attend Palomar College. She will be studying communications and hopes to work with children with disabilities. Alina Molloy enjoyed three sports, plays piano, and earned a full IB diploma. She will attend New York College to study applied psychology in the honors program and will be doing research in Israel. Martin Sanchez plans to attend community college.
Principal Phil Lutgen introduced Shannyn Thomas who found North County Trade Tech to be just what she needed. She will attend Mt. St. Mary’s College to major in biological science, followed by medical school and plans to become a cosmetic plastic surgeon.
Counselor Dana Templink from Maj Gen Raymond Murray High School introduced Rosalia Carenas who graduated early and plans to attend Palomar College. She would like to work with children as a teacher. She shared her motivation: “If I put my mind to this, I can do it!”
In closing, Club member Linda Story shared her heart-felt thanks to all the recipients, their families, and adult representatives for attending this inspirational event. Unfortunately, several recipients were unable to attend. She wished all of the 2018 scholarship winners the best in their future endeavors and asked them to update the Club with their future accomplishments.
