Talk of California’s budget problems and educational cuts was put on hold June 17 so elected officials could join Comcast representatives in recognizing winners of the company’s Leaders and Achievers Scholarship on the steps of the California Capitol.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell spoke about the importance of education and helped Comcast distribute more than $196,000 in scholarships to 176 high school seniors hailing from 31 counties. Local winners included Britni Heter of Cabrillo High School, Alyssa Brigham of Righetti High School, Benjamin Ortiz of Pioneer Valley High School, and Mary Rigali of St. Joseph High School.
Comcast awarded all of the scholarship winners $1,000 each, and two lucky students were surprised with $10,000 scholarships. Also, 20 of the students won, in a special raffle, Netbook computers to use at college.
After the ceremony, the students and their families went on guided tours of the state Capitol and were honored at the Sacramento River Cats baseball game later that evening.
The Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship program recognizes high school seniors for their leadership skills, positive attitudes, academic achievements, and various community service activities. Since its inception in 2001, the program has awarded more than $13.3 million in college aid to approximately 13,300 high school seniors.
For more information, including a complete list of winners, visit comcast.com/inthecommunity.
This article appears in Jun 24 – Jul 1, 2010.