Dell Computer Company is giving five Santa Maria Joint Union High School District students $20,000 each to help get their higher education going in the fall at four-year colleges and universities.
A press release from the district said four of the students are part of the Advancement Via Individual Determination program and one is from Upward Bound. Marisol Duarte from Ernest Righetti High School, Courtney Tompkins and Edwin Villafane Hernandez from Pioneer Valley High School, and Domitila Carmona and Faviola Zamudio-Diaz from Santa Maria High School are the scholars.
Duarte will attend UC Riverside, while Tompkins is headed to the University of Cumberlands for biology. Hernandez is off to Pomona College for math and computer science, and Carmona is joining Cal Poly in SLO. Diaz will go to UC San Diego.
Duarte, who recently lost her grandmother to medical issues and spent time caring for her, plans to pursue the medical field, according to the press release.
“I want the opportunity to save a life,” Duarte said. “This scholarship will help make my dream a reality.”
The nationwide Dell Scholars Program has awarded 300 scholarships since 2004. It’s a program that recognizes students who show individuality, have had unique experiences in and out of the classroom, need financial assistance, and show a willingness to work hard to achieve their dreams. Students will receive $5,000 per year for four years, plus a new computer.
Ernest Righetti counselor Eric Blanco said in the press release that the students were recognized for a variety of outstanding character qualities during the application process.
“They showed the desire to overcome barriers and achieve their goals,” Blanco said. “Regardless of the personal situations, they remained dedicated to their academic achievement.”
This article appears in May 22-29, 2014.