Carlsbad, California – Seventeen exceptional graduating seniors from Carlsbad Unified School District (CUSD) have been awarded a total of $74,000 in scholarships through the Carlsbad Educational Foundation’s (CEF) 2026 Senior Scholarship Program. The scholarships recognize students whose educational journeys have been shaped by CEF-supported opportunities in music, STEAM, and educational innovation.
This year’s recipients represent a diverse group of student leaders, innovators, artists, and scholars whose achievements reflect both academic excellence and meaningful community involvement. Notably, one-third of this year’s scholarship recipients are need-based, reinforcing CEF’s commitment to expanding access and opportunity for all students.
“It is a privilege to support such amazing young people who I know will bless the world with their musical gifts and their dedication to making life better for all of us,” said Ken Breeding, Tom Laurence Music Scholarship.
The scholarship program is supported through generous community contributions and partnerships, including the Judith Campbell Educational and Community Foundation, the Tom Laurence Music Scholarship, Viasat, and dedicated CEF donors.
The seventeen students who demonstrated remarkable dedication, leadership, and commitment to their education are recognized below:
Danielle Dee, Carlsbad High School — $10,000, CEF & Judith Campbell Educational and Community Foundation Scholarship
Lexie Han, Carlsbad High School — $10,000, CEF & Judith Campbell Educational and Community Foundation Scholarship
Sonali Sharma, Sage Creek High School — $10,000, CEF & Judith Campbell Educational and Community Foundation Scholarship
Chase Boertje, Carlsbad High School — $7,000, CEF & Tom Laurence Music Scholarship
Charity Rose Godoy, Sage Creek High School — $7,000, CEF & Tom Laurence Music Scholarship
Mackenzie Le, Sage Creek High School — $2,500, CEF & Tom Laurence Music Scholarship
Madison Le, Sage Creek High School — $2,500, CEF & Viasat Scholarship for participation in Science Olympiad
Lily O’Neil, Carlsbad High School — $2,500, CEF & Viasat Scholarship for participation in Science Olympiad
Natalia Charvel, Carlsbad High School — $2,500, CEF Scholarship
Kirstyn Limsico, Carlsbad High School — $2,500, CEF Scholarship
Aryana Mahasseni, Carlsbad High School — $2,500, CEF Scholarship
Kiran Musson, Sage Creek High School — $2,500, CEF Scholarship
Aneeka Nandi, Sage Creek High School — $2,500, CEF Scholarship
Sophia Parraga, Carlsbad High School — $2,500, CEF Scholarship
Valeria Torres, Carlsbad High School — $2,500, CEF Scholarship
Nicholas Vuong, Sage Creek High School — $2,500, CEF Scholarship
Juliana Yakuta, Carlsbad High School — $2,500, CEF Scholarship
Carlsbad Educational Foundation and its partners proudly congratulate the 2026 scholarship recipients and extend their deepest gratitude to the organizations, donors, educators, and community members whose support makes these awards possible.
About the Carlsbad Educational Foundation
Carlsbad Educational Foundation (CEF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that was founded in 1983 to raise private support for public education and contribute to the enrichment of nearly 11,000 students in the Carlsbad Unified School District. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded nearly $16 million to Carlsbad public schools, primarily for science, technology, and music – programs that would not be possible in California’s current school funding environment. 100% of donations go directly to support the Carlsbad Unified School District because CEF’s operating expenses are covered by student enrichment programs and Kids Care, a comprehensive before and after-school K-5 childcare program. For more information, visit CarlsbadEd.org.
