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Schools

9 Fountain Valley Students to Receive Scholarships Worth $30,000

The San-Clemente based Simon Family Foundation named the pupils their "Simon Scholars" for 2013.

A laptop, free tutoring, a $1,000 stipend and up to $16,000 in college scholarship money.

Those are just some of the things a handful of Fountain Valley Students will receive as part of an Orange County scholarship program aimed at helping underprivileged young scholars.

The Garden Grove Unified School District Board of Education will recognize 17 high school sophomores – nine from Fountain Valley-based Los Amigos High School – chosen as "Simon Scholars" for 2013.

Simon Scholars are recipients of the scholarship program of San Clemente-based Simon Family Foundation, a charity that annually provides scholarships to more than 60 Southern California high school sophomores who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“While in high school, the scholars will receive support to help them overcome the hurdles in preparation for higher education so they can be competitive and successful once they enter the college environment,” said Alan Trudell, GGUSD spokesman, in a statement.

Each student will receive a $1,000 cash stipend, a notebook computer, SAT preparation courses, college application assistance, tours of college campuses, academic tutoring, exposure to the arts, life-skills and leadership training, administrative and personal support and potential internship opportunities, according to Trudell. 

Following high school graduation, students will each be awarded a $16,000 needs-based college scholarship. In return, the foundation requires the students maintain solid academic performance, exhibit high standards of personal conduct and demonstrate meaningful community service while serving as role models for other youth.

According to Trudell, the scholarships represent cash, goods and services totaling $25,000. When combined with administrative support costs per student, each scholarship is worth in excess of $30,000 over the six years.

Nationwide, the Simon Scholars Program has awarded more than 500 scholarships valued at $16 million.

Trudell adds that the scholars were chosen after a rigorous screening and interview process for “their inspirational commitment to overcoming adversity and achieving personal success while positively impacting the lives of others.”

Los Amigos High School Winners

  • Alexandra Trujillo from Fountain Valley 
  • Carmen Andrade from Santa Ana
  • Guadalupe Arcos from Santa Ana 
  • Elizabeth Bella from Santa Ana
  • Jose Noriega from Santa Ana
  • Kim Pham from Santa Ana
  • Eddie Reyes from Santa Ana 
  • Gerardo Vazquez from Santa Ana 
  • Lorena Zeferino from Santa Ana
Rancho Alamitos High School Winners
  • Alyson Lopez from Stanton
  • Aldo Almeida from Garden Grove 
  • Antonio Avalos from Garden Grove
  • Sandy Hernandez from Garden Grove 
  • Diana Hoang from Garden Grove
  • Rafael Rodriguez from Garden Grove 
  • Elizabeth Tran from Garden Grove
  • Wilson Tran from Garden Grove
The Simon Scholars Program is funded by Ronald M. Simon, the founder and CEO of RSI Home Products, a leading manufacturer of home cabinetry. For additional information, visit the foundation’s website at www.simonfamilyfoundation.net.

The Scholarship Presentation begins at 7 p.m. in the boardroom of the GGUSD Education Center, 10331 Stanford Ave., Garden Grove.

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