Vanessa Bazan, who achieved a 4.28 GPA, received a $2,000 scholarship for her studies at Chapman University where she will study broadcast journalism. Vanessa was raised by a single mother she said has been her inspiration.
Mia Bustillos also received $2,000; she will attend Fresno State and major in criminology and hopes to enter the field of forensic behavioral science. She achieved a 4.07 GPA and a SAT score of 1740. She is both a scholar and athlete.
Another $2,000 was awarded to Anahi Garcia who will attend UC Merced and study psychology to eventually become a secondary school counselor whom she said inspired her. She has worked through high school and was inspired by her older siblings that are college graduates.
Paulina Garcia received the $2,000 Jeanette Cole Agriculture Scholarship. She will attend CSU Channel Islands to study veterinarian medicine and hopes to attend to large animals. Active in many areas including as a volunteer Patricia placed second in a countywide AVID essay contest.
Jasmine Guzman-Nava received $2,000 and will attend UC San Diego to study graphic design. She obtained a 4.3 GPA and scored 1600 on her SAT! She earned a second place art award in a Ventura County Fair student art competition and is an active volunteer.
Esmeralda Herrera received $3,000 for her studies at UC Berkeley where she will study to become an architect. With a 4.62 GPA and 1940 SAT score (!) she has received top marks on various AP level courses. Last year she was a Rotary Junior Achievement winner.
Veronica Landeros will attend UC Berkeley where her $2,000 scholarship will help fund her studies of sociology. She has a 4.09 GPA and moved back to the U.S. from Mexico four years ago. The future professional guidance counselor has participated in the Ronald Reagan Leadership program among others.
Juan Magana, a $2,000 recipient, will attend UC Irvine and study mechanical engineering. He was complimented for interviewing well and being very engaging. Active in community volunteer activities he has received awards for engineering projects through MESA.
Nicole Mayes received a $3,000 scholarship; she had a 1910 SAT score and will attend UC Berkeley to study political science. She ultimately would like to pursue a career in public policy. She was the recipient of the first ever Justice Edwin Beach Memorial Scholarship.
Isabel Payne received $2,000 and will attend UCLA to study political science. She achieved a 4.03 GPA and has been involved in extensive community activities.
The future attorney will star in the upcoming SPHS production of The Wiz and Tushla noted, “Isabel was afraid she would have to miss the ceremony tonight because she had rehearsal,” but it was rescheduled so she could attend.
Following the ceremony Phelps introduced Milo Bustillos, retired SPFD Captain, who was injured in the Santa Clara Waste Water-Green Compass explosions and fires in 2014. Since retired, Bustillos got a standing ovation when Phelps said, “He is the epitome of community service…”
Before singing the SPHS Alma Mater to end the program, Phelps told the students, “Find your passion and follow it…”
