Seven Azusa Residents Awarded $5,000 Celebrate Azusa Scholarships
AZUSA, Calif. — At a time when Cal Grants are threatened and economic hardships cause more families to rely on financial aid, scholarships become even more essential in helping students afford college. Seven students have a chance to pursue their college dreams as a result of Azusa Pacific's Nancy Moore/Celebrate Azusa Citizens Scholarship. This $5,000 renewable scholarship enables area students to continue their education locally in Azusa, while giving back to the community.
This year's scholars include Ariana Paredes and Jessica Esparza from Azusa High School; Luis Marin, Jenna Alvarado, and Kimberly Rios from Gladstone High School; and Marie Millares and Nathan Martinez from Citrus College.
About the 2009-10 Recipients:
Kimberley Rios, age 18, is a Gladstone High School graduate who participated in the Math Club and in AVID where she served as AVID Club secretary. She is also a member of CSF and was the lead actress in the GHS production of The Hypocrite. She also participated in 15 hours of volunteer work for the Azusa Unified School District in the Adapted Physical Education Department. Rios enters APU as a liberal studies major.
Jenna Alvarado, age 17, is a Gladstone High School graduate. Alvarado was involved in AVID college preparation, the Gladstone Dance Team, she was a team leader for the Azusa Homework House, and she was also a Freshmen Link Crew Leader. Alvarado enters APU as an undeclared major.
Ariana Paredes, age 17, is an Azusa High School graduate who has been actively involved in her parish, Saint Frances of Rome, through youth ministry, alter service, as a church usher, participating in the Eucharistic ministry, as well as serving as an assistant Spanish instructor and assistant art instructor. Paredes was a member of the G.A.T.E. Club and also participated in the various leadership positions including, tutoring and counseling freshman. Paredes enters APU as a nursing major.
Marie Millares, age 19, is a Azusa High School graduate and Citrus College student who participated in mentor programs at Lee Elementary School as well as Slauson Middle School. Millares is a volunteer coach for badminton at Azusa High School and actively volunteers at church. Millares has enters APU as a nursing major.
Jessica Esparza, age 17, is an Azusa High School graduate who has actively participated in community events including Azusa Relay for Life, Azusa Light and Water toilet program, and the Veteran's Day Memorial Service at Azusa City Hall. Esparza also participated in the Azusa Canyon Cleanup and the Canyon Classic Winterguard competition at Azusa High School. Esparza enters APU as a music major.
Luis Marin, age 18, is a Gladstone High School graduate who participated on the football team as well as serving as treasurer for Future Businessmen of America. Marin enters APU as an anticipated accounting major.
Nathan Martinez, age 20, is an Azusa High School graduate and a Citrus College student who in high school participated in the Chalk Art Festival, the Christmas Toy Donation, Crosstrainers, and the on-campus Christian club. Martinez was also a part of the Citrus College Track and Field team. Martinez enters APU as an art major.
About the Scholarship:
Eleven years ago, Azusa City Council member and then mayor pro-tem Joe Rocha approached Azusa Pacific administrators and suggested the university establish a scholarship program aimed at attracting the best graduating seniors from Azusa and Gladstone high schools. The collaboration resulted in the university launching the Nancy Moore/Celebrate Azusa Citizens Scholarship Program in 2000. To date, 42 scholars have received this award.
In order to maintain the $5,000 renewable scholarships as an APU student, recipients must hold a minimum 2.7 grade point average, take at least 12 units a semester, and devote 10 hours a week to community service.
