2013 RESDC Scholarship Award Recipients

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Isaac Becker, sponsored by his grandfather, Bruce Minnich, is graduating from Westview High School in Poway with a 4.0 GPA. Isaac thanks his grandfather for encouraging him to always do his best which advice has helped him to become a better person. It has allowed him to meet the joy and challenges of academic and extracurricular activities throughout his high school years. In the academic world, he has pursued Math and Science and in the extracurricular world, Marching Band has greatly influenced him. Over the four years in high school, Isaac practiced every day on his marching and playing technique as well as helping other band members improve their performances. His love of Math and Science flourished in the academic world, especially in Calculus and Physics which allowed him to practice his problem- solving skills. He is proud of being selected as a finalist in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship competition, being awarded AP (Advanced Placement) Scholar with distinction. He attended the California State Summer School for Math and Science at UCSD, during the summer of 2012. His final group project was working with alternate methods of clean energy. Isaac will pursue a career in Mechanical Engineering.


Emily Miller, sponsored by her grandfather, Bill Miller, is graduating from J.J. Pearce High School in Richardson, Texas with a 3.9 GPA. Emily has always been focused on academics, realizing from her freshman year that she would have to work hard if she were to have a broad selection of colleges to attend. Consequently she took AP courses in English, History, Chemistry, Calculus, Physics, and Computer Science. Her school has a very strong music program which includes 200 students in Band, 100 students in Orchestra, and another 180 students in Choir. Emily has participated in Band and Choir all four years of high school. She has played fifth chair flute in the highest level band, was a section leader in the marching band and has mentored underclassmen to provide guidance and inspire their performance. She was invited by the Orchestra Program to be a part of their full symphonic orchestra for state competition. She also participated in the pit orchestra for the production of West Side Story. Emily was a member of the National Charity League for two years. The League’s primary goals are to learn to lead a group and create opportunities for services as well as participate in various community service projects. She participates in her school’s National Honor Society chapter, provides help to the North Texas Food Bank, Parkinson’s Community Outreach, and helps in various fund raising events for the PTA.


Christian Parong, sponsored by his grandmother, Lourdes Parong, is graduating from San Clemente High School with a 4.146 GPA. Christian credits his parents for much of his success. At a very early age, they explained to him that school was his job and not to obsess over the letter grade but emphasized learning how to learn. They also provided him with a household that fostered critical thinking. They encouraged him to reflect on what he learned and formulate his own views. In high school, Christian had the opportunity to meet other like-minded students in his AP classes. He liked being in the group because they pushed each other intellectually and also became close friends. Through these groups, he came to realize that he wanted to be involved with people. That is why Marketing is an appealing career path, especially in advertising. This would combine Psychology with Commercial Business. With designing ads, he would like to discover how people are convinced to select a particular product. Beyond academics in high school, Christian participated in Cross Country and Track and Field teams. He specialized in long jump and triple jump events and reached the South Coast League Finals for the past two years. He is founder and President of the San Clemente High School Quidditch Appreciation Club inspired by the Harry Potter books. Christian also praises the Boy Scout program in which he has been a member since first grade. He is proud to have earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He also works as a Tae Kwon Do instructor. He uses his earnings to ease his family’s monthly expenses.


Marco Russo, sponsored by his grandfather, Vincent Quasarano, is graduating from Steele Canyon High School in Spring Valley with a 4.31 GPA. At the end of the eighth grade, Marco had to decide which high school to attend. He had been a competitive swimmer since he was eight and wanted to continue swimming. One school had a great swim program while Steele Canyon didn’t have a pool or a strong swim program. In the end he chose to attend Steele Canyon because instead of following a swim program created by others, he wanted to be a leader and generate a strong swim program at Steele Canyon, and that is exactly what Marco has done. As a freshman he made the water polo team and varsity swim team and his school placed well in the California  Interscholastic Federation finals. Marco had indeed helped to put Steele Canyon High School on the map in swimming. Marco also found time to give back to the community, accumulating 150 hours helping in school, church, and charitable organizations. He also spent a weekend in the woods of Julian under the Camp LEAD program. This program is devoted to leaders and what they can do to influence others to strive for greatness. He has also been a peer tutor mentoring and assisting students who are struggling. Marco will attend college in Denver, Colorado studying Business, Construction, and Real Estate.


Jordan Vargas, sponsored by his grandmother, Bettie McGoyne, is graduating from Santana High School in Santee with a 4.76 GPA. Each year one of the RESDC Scholarship winners is designated as the George Liddell Scholarship winner. This is to honor George Liddell who initiated the RESDC Scholarship Program when he was a member of the Board of Directors. This year that scholarship will be presented to Jordan Vargas. Jordan’s grandparents came to the United States over 55 years ago as part of the Bracero program. They wanted to give their children and grandchildren a better life. His grandfather picked tomatoes and did other chores to give his children better opportunities. Jordan’s father graduated from high school and became a truck driver to support his eight children. Jordan feels that he has the same values of dedication and diligence that were present in his grandparents and father. He works hard every day because he wants to make their labor worthwhile. He credits his siblings with teaching him the invaluable tools of dealing with people, being confident and being respectful. Jordan participates in school sports, community service, church activities, and recreational activities. He participates in an activity called, “They Say It Is Your Birthday.” He raised funds and pays for birthday parties for children in orphanages. He is a very giving young man. Jordan has been accepted at Yale University. He will pursue a career in International Relations.


County retirees have the right to be very proud of their children and grandchildren. Based on their accomplishments in high school, they will be leaders in our country in the years ahead. Thanks to the 28 applicants who filed for this year’s RESDC Scholarships. Best wishes to each of you for your continued success. Thanks also to the Scholarship Committee: Pete Cuthbert, Dick Shick, and Bob Summers. These fine gentlemen evaluate and rank each application received and determine the successful candidates. They are dedicated and loyal to the RESDC Scholarship Program. We are fortunate to have their services.


THEO AND EVELYN YAKEL 2014 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Congratulations to the nine recipients of the Theo and Evelyn Yakel Scholarship for 2013! Each scholarship award is for $1,000.

Isabella Alcaraz, sponsored by her grandmother, Evie Evans.

Janie Blakeley, sponsored by her grandfather, James Blakeley.

Kevin Gaines, sponsored by his grandmother, Estella Gaines.

Camille Jorgensen, sponsored by her grandmother, Edna Mae Rickling.

David Manzano, sponsored by his grandmother, Perla Manzano.

Christian Parong, sponsored by his grandmother, Lourdes Parong.

Matthew Peters, sponsored by his grandfather, Roy Peters.

Marco Russo, sponsored by his grandfather, Vincent Quasarano.

Lucas Webb, sponsored by his grandmother, Barbara Penn.