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New Scholarship Recipients for 2020-21
Noely Escalante-Lopez is a graduate of Soquel High School and plans to major in Nursing at SJSU. In her application essay, she described the path that lead her to choose Nursing (and eventually, to become a pediatric nurse practitioner) as starting during a summer camp for children where she was asked to become an instructor. Having no previous experience as a teacher, Ms. Escalante-Lopez worked hard to be prepared and succeeded not only in having a successful teaching experience, but in gaining new insight into her own educational path. She stated, “The whole experience has allowed me to discover a different side of myself, the side that can guide others and be an advocate for education and health for all around the world.” She believes that children are “some of the best people [who] walk on this planet.” Ms. Escalante-Lopez earned a 4.0+ grade point average while being actively involved in school and the community. She was awarded our George Clark Memorial Scholarship.
Alejandra Espiritu is a Watsonville High School graduate and plans to major in Political Science with a long-range goal of earning a Masters or a law degree. Her interest in government began with an internship with the City of Watsonville where she learned about the various levels and offices of government. She hopes to return to Watsonville after college and work in local government and run for office – maybe even Mayor! Ms. Espiritu was an active leader in school organizations and the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s WATCH program. Her active schedule caused her to learn time management and how to be resourceful; skills that will serve her well as a college student. She completed three Cabrillo College courses while in high school and two Advanced Placement courses.
Miguel Iniguez- Franco graduated from Harbor High School and will major in Mechanical Engineering at SJSU. Mr. Iniguez-Franco participated in three varsity sports as well as varsity band while in high school. He credits his father with teaching him how to face challenges and learn from them. He also learned the value of hard work, as he joined his father at various jobs every weekend from an early age. His time management skills were honed by a busy schedule of work, school, band practice and sports! His grandmother, who fled from the dangers in El Salvador and raised nine children by herself reminds Mr. Iniguez-Franco to “strive for bigger and better things . . .” He graduated with a 4.0+ grade point average, including two Advanced Placement courses and one Engineering course from Cabrillo. He hopes to eventually design and build parts that will be used in motor vehicles.
Elisa Orozco is transferring from Cabrillo College to major in Psychology at SJSU. Her long-range goal is to become a doctor of osteopathic medicine specializing in psychiatry. Ms. Orozco is a re-entry student and the single mother of four sons, one of whom attended Cabrillo with her! One of her sons is a Foster Child, as she was at one time in her life as a child. She has overcome numerous obstacles, including having been homeless and on welfare for several years. However, throughout these difficult times, she found the time to volunteer for several local non-profits for many years and received recognition for coaching from the Boys and Girls Club, Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Activity League and Mid-county Soccer League. Today her life is stable, although she still must work two part-time jobs to support her children. She hopes that her persistence to improve their lives will serve as an example for her sons to “always pursue what they want in life.” She further states that “I am thankful to my children for shaping me to become responsible, loving, patient and fierce.” And finally, she says: “I hope one day to help guide individuals on their own path to success and to overcome their own obstacles in life.” Ms. Orozco is the winner of our Carol Coe Memorial Scholarship.
Fifteen continuing students also had their scholarships renewed. Check our Scholarship Programs Page for more information.
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