Rotary Club of Sacramento Scholarships for 2013

Scholarship Committee:                         

Don Baird                   Kellie Dockendorf                                        

David Ballard              Steve Heath

John Buck                  Laura Heintz                                         

Bobby Cobbs, chair    Steve Horton                                

Robyn Delong            Tanya Kravchuk                                 

David DeRoos             Allison Otto

Hal Shipley

Our committee met to solicit and review applications from McClatchy, Rio Americano and Sacramento High Schools.

We reviewed 22 applications in competition for six scholarships of approximately $2,000 each.

All of the 22 students applying from the three high schools were most deserving, and ALL of them have overcome tremendous odds due to poverty, backgrounds of violence, abuse/neglect, and cultural challenges.

Here are a few anonymous quotes.

"Being born into a low income family on welfare meant that I hardly ever thought about my life beyond high school. But all I knew was that I wanted to graduate and have a better life for myself."

"Due to our family's financial circumstances, we were forced to give up our home and live a brief period camping (in a tent). It taught me that nothing is stable and that nothing is permanent except knowledge (education)."

"I have never seen the ocean, mountains, or any place outside California's central valley. I want to travel and experience different cultures. I want a better life for myself and my community.  My main goal is to experience the abundance life has to offer beyond the limits of poverty." (this applicant is summa cum laud)

"Growing up in a low income household, I was thought to be destined to drop out from school and be a failure. In spite of these odds, I never stopped dreaming big. I always dreamt of a bright and beautiful future even when my own mother said it was foolish to think that I was capable of such a thing. But I made a promise to myself- that I would prove everyone who doubted me wrong. I challenged myself by taking the most challenging courses. Each year I pushed myself harder. My teachers praised me and told me they believed in me. I love learning. I always want to learn more. I want to pursue psychology. I want to be a family and marriage therapist so I can help kids and people. I want to help them learn about and love themselves as I have."

"Why should I be considered for this scholarship? I always get stumped because I think of all the other applicants and I think of myself: What makes me more qualified than them?  I can't say that I am better or the best choice, but I can say that I won't throw away an opportunity to make sure my dreams come true."

Bobby:
All applicants' academic scores were outstanding, ranging from 3.2 GPA to valedictorian. Our committee was impressed with the determination to become better in spite of the odds. All amazed us with the selfless dedication demonstrated and the volunteer service they practiced. All personified "Service Above Self' in the very best spirit.

We are pleased to award the scholarships to the following students.  Presentations will be made before their peers at the respective awards assemblies at each high school.


Sacramento High School-

Kamarri Dates- $2,000

Ashley Saephan- $2,000

Verae Rahmn-Smith- $1,400

McClatchy High School-

Allison Yamamoto- $2,000

Kyle Thielen- $2,000

Rio Americano High School-

Sertan Usanmaz- $2,000

Respectfully Submitted,

Bobby Cobbs, Scholarship Committee Chair