Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe awards $19,000 in scholarships

For several decades, Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe (SISLT) has been awarding scholarships to exceptional students in the community to help them pursue their educational goals. This year the Youth and Education committee chose 11 students from Lake Tahoe Community College, 6 students from South Tahoe High School and 2 students from George Whittell High School to receive $1,000 each.

Lake Tahoe Community College

Galilea Ramos Amaral is transferring to UC Santa Cruz to study music education. Tina Rodriguez says, "Her drive to do a great job everyday no matter the situation is, is something admired by all she works with." Ashley Aminian says, "She handled the rigor of my (English) class with confidence and maturity. Galilea always welcomed criticism as an opportunity to develop as a scholar."

Chelsea Aguirre- Rodriguez, who is headed to UNR to study criminal justice and psychology, is described by Tracy Thomas as, "soft-spoken, yet tenacious in her pursuit of a better life for herself and her family. She demonstrates personal qualities, such as a caring demeanor, genuine interest in helping others, and a gentle and calming communication style that will serve her well in a social service or legal career."

Elki Cederquist will be transferring to Northern Arizona University with aspirations of becoming a Physician's Assistant, "display(s) high academic success and aptitude, but also possesses a drive to participate and put in the required work. Elki currently works as a certified nurse’s aide at Barton Memorial Hospital." says Carl Franz.

Nikki Cruz is going to UC San Diego to study psychiatry. She "has been an incredibly resilient student at Lake Tahoe Community College. She is a warrior both inside the classroom, and as an accomplished female MMA title winner." says Julie Booth.

Cesar Hernandez is going to CSU Long Beach to study civil engineering. As a first generation college student, Laura Salinas says he balances his responsibilities well as he navigates through various barriers and represents his achievements for his family while playing for the LTCC soccer team.

Celeste Holmes is going to UC Davis and hopes to become a Physician's Assistant. According to Julie Booth, Celeste "is not only extremely intelligent, but she is also a delightful human being with a wonderful sense of humor and spirit of adventure. Her passion for social service in addition to her academic abilities, love of diversity and her warm personality will make her successful in anything she chooses to pursue."

Mariela Jimenez is going to UC Davis to study history and hopes to return to Lake Tahoe to become a teacher. While running the student senate at LTCC, Danny Masellones says, "her natural leadership skills were evident in her confident ability to prepare agenda items, conduct the meetings, voting on specific procedures related to student senate, and advocating on behalf of her student peers. She is definitely one of those promising students who will one day, having reached her academic goals and successfully working in her chosen career, make a positive contribution to her community."

Jade Meshew is going to UNR to study English and Journalism. "She is an intelligent, capable, and resilient student who is determined to create a better life for herself and her family." Tracy Thomas "respect(s) her optimism and the grace and determination she displays while overcoming challenges."

Viktor Mulato, who is going to UC Davis to study Electrical Engineering, "has a genuine interest and love of science and mathematics. He is an intelligent person who is willing to work for what he wants and will in no doubt make the most of the opportunities presented to him in the future." according to Bruce Armbrust.

Estefani Fregoso Torres is going to UC Davis to study biochemistry. Ed Sedano has nothing but positive things to say about her. He has always known her to be of sound character, being adventurous, compassionate, disciplined, flexible, honest, humble, optimistic, patient, resilient, and having a great sense of ambition.

George Whittell High School

Ava Campbell plans to attend Colorado State University in the fall. Her English teacher said, "Ava takes pride in her assignments; what she turns in is an extension of herself and she has maintained this commitment throughout her high school career. Besides her achievements in the classroom, Ava is active in the school and community. She is looked up to by younger classmen because of her friendly, approachable manner, her leadership role in the community, and her academic success."

Rubi Dionisio plans to attend the University of Nevada, Reno in the fall. Her Science and Computer Science teacher said, "Rubi has impressed me with her work ethic, ability to problem solve, and her maturity. Rubi's genuine interest in computer science is rare among high school students. She has taken on a leadership role in AP Computer Science Principles and is a great asset to the class."

South Tahoe High School

Phoebe Barkann will attend the University of Portland in the fall. Her Sports Medicine instructor said, "Phoebe is highly intrinsically motivated, extremely consistent, pays attention to little details, and pushes herself to the limit on a daily basis. She just brings some light into any situation."

Ethan Bindel plans to attend a four year university. His principal, Carline Sinkler, said, "Ethan brings a mix of disciplined academics and leadership skills to all his endeavors whether it is through student government, advocating for fellow students, and taking a leadership role in coordinating events in partnership with the school administration. He is an extraordinary young man with enormous potential."

Giovana De Loia will attend Columbia University in the fall. Giovana's history teacher said, "Giovana's work in AP US History and Honors Government is nothing short of amazing. Her intelligence is immediately evident in her mature and sophisticated writing ability and she is always prepared for success on test days."

Destiny Hursch will attend UC Berkley in the fall. Lisa Huard said, Destiny takes on projects aligned with her heart and gives it her all. She is not only an organized individual with passion, but she is also one who brings people along with her. Destiny organized youth and led her fellow students as they participated in our community's annual Drug Store Project."

Marsha Monroe will attend a four year university in the fall. Her English teacher said, "Marsha takes research, writing, and education very seriously, and as an educator, I find this inspiring. Her passion for education is unwavering and frankly, unlike anything I have seen before."

Brandon Wilson plans to attend the University of Nevada, Reno in the fall. His music teach says, "Brandon has an astounding repertoire of skills that truly make him a unique and valuable member of our community. Brandon has been involved in almost every music ensemble we offer including pit orchestra, symphonic band, concert band, pop band, jazz band, jazz combo, and chamber orchestra."