North San Diego County School News Briefs: Scholarships offered

By: North County Times | Tuesday, January 22, 2008 9:15 PM PST ∞

Women Marines Association -- The Edith Macias Vann Southern California chapter of the Woman Marines Association is awarding three scholarships of $500 each to students preparing to attend accredited four-year colleges, universities or community colleges.

To qualify for the award, the student must have demonstrated dependability, leadership and service in the home, school and community. Academic requirements are a minimum SAT score of 1100 and a GPA of 3.5 or higher. He or she must be a 2008 graduate of a North County high school.

Students interested must complete an application available at local school career centers or by calling Peggy Reiber (760) 521-9093 to have one e-mailed or faxed. The application includes an essay not to exceed 500 words explaining the applicant's education and career goals. The completed application must be mailed to the Scholarship Committee chairman of the Edith Macias Vann Southern California chapter of the Woman Marines Association and postmarked no later than March 26.

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers

NORTH COUNTY -- Hispanic college students pursuing degrees in math, science, engineering or technology are invited to apply for more than $2 million in scholarship and internship opportunities through Advancing Hispanic Excellence in Technology, Engineering, Math and Science), the educational foundation of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.  

Students may apply for as many scholarships and internships for which they are applicable.  Deadlines range from Feb. 1 to April 1. A listing of all scholarship and internship opportunities can be found at http://www.ahetems.org. For more information, contact Mysti Pasquale at the AHETEMS Foundation, (817) 272-1116 or mystip@shpe.org.

Union Bank provides grant for fire-impacted families

NORTH COUNTY -- The Union Bank of California Foundation, a nonprofit public benefit corporation, recently presented San Diego Ag in the Classroom with a $25,000 grant to help the children of farmers and farm workers who were impacted by the devastating October wildfires that swept through San Diego County. The funds will be used over the next five years to award scholarships to those students of farm families who are entering or attending a two- or four-year college or university with any declared or undeclared major. Scholarship application and eligibility information is available at http://www.sdfarmbureau.org.

North County Italian Association

NORTH COUNTY -- Scholarship applications from high school seniors of Italian descent are being accepted by the North County Italian Association. The deadline is April 1. For more information and to download an application, go to http:///www.northcountyitalianassociation.org or ask a high school counselor.

Don Diego Fund

NORTH COUNTY -- The Don Diego Fund will award five scholarships to local high school seniors who have been involved in the San Diego County Fair.

Each scholarship is $5,000. Scholarships will be awarded to one 4-H member; one Future Farmers of America member, one former employee of the Del Mar Fairgrounds or the San Diego County Fair; and two students who have exhibited their work at the fair. Applications are being accepted now through April 1 and are available on the fairgrounds Web site, http://www.sdfair.com

The Don Diego Fund provides financial support for deserving San Diego County college-bound students. The fund was formed in 1986 as a lasting tribute to Tom Hernandez, who, in the role of Don Diego, was the legendary host of the San Diego County Fair from 1947 until his death in 1984. In his memory, the Don Diego Fund was created to provide college scholarships for outstanding San Diego County high school students who have participated in the annual San Diego County Fair or other events associated with the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Since the first scholarships were awarded, the Don Diego Fund has distributed nearly $450,000 in annual grants and has helped nearly 100 students pursue a college degree. In addition, the fund makes annual gifts to the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom and the San Diego Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation.

To be eligible for scholarship consideration, applicants must have participated in the San Diego County Fair or other events at the Del Mar Fairgrounds prior to this year and anticipate graduating no later than June 2008. Applications for the scholarships provided by The Don Diego Fund must be accompanied by a certified copy of high school transcripts and postmarked on or before April 1, 2008.

In addition to participation in the San Diego County Fair, scholarship winners demonstrate the talent for organization, leadership, innovation, and make a valuable contribution to the community through participation in the fair, their school and extracurricular activities. Scholarships are not awarded on financial need alone. The scholarships may be used at a two- or four-year college or university.

For more information and to download an application, please go to http://www.sdfair.com. To request an application form by mail, call (858) 755-1161, Ext. 2401.

LVCO scholarships only

Olivenhain, San Dieguito water districts

High school seniors in the Olivenhain and San Dieguito water districts are invited to compete for a scholarship of $500 from the district that serves the area they reside in and one of five $1,000 regional scholarships from the San Diego chapter of the California Special Districts Association.

The purpose of the scholarship program is to increase knowledge and awareness of special districts and their role in local government. Special districts are the most direct link to government for many Californians, yet few people understand how special districts work and their history within the community. Special districts are formed to provide a service such as water, sewer, irrigation or fire protection and have been serving the community for almost a century. Each has an elected board of directors that holds public meetings, much like a city council.

To be eligible, students must reside or attend a school within the Olivenhain or San Dieguito water district service areas. Students who compete for a scholarship will complete an essay that demonstrates their knowledge about the purpose of special districts. Applicants must also provide a personal statement related to their background or goals. Additional selection criteria includes community involvement or volunteer service, letters of recommendation, and grade point average.

Applications can be downloaded at the San Dieguito district's Web site at http://www.ci.encinitas.ca.us or the Olivenhain district's Web site at http://www.omwd.com. Applications also can be obtained at the San Dieguito district's headquarters, 505 S. Vulcan Ave. in Encinitas, or the Olivenhain district's headquarters, 1966 Olivenhain Road, Encinitas. Completed applications must be received at the office in the service area where the student resides by 5 p.m. March 14.

Bertelsen scholarships

CARLSBAD -- The James R. & Geraldine F. Bertelsen Scholarship is being offered to Roman Catholic graduating high school seniors and students already enrolled in a college or university who have applied to, or been accepted by, a four-year Roman Catholic college or university.

Applicants must have been a Carlsbad resident for at least one year and enroll in, or be enrolled in, a course of instruction that will enable them to obtain an undergraduate degree within four years. The scholarship is based on academic achievement with need being a secondary consideration.

The minimum scholarship award is $5,000, and three or more scholarships may be awarded. Two documents providing proof of Carlsbad residency must accompany the application. Proof of residency may consist of a driver's license and utility bills or similar documents. For applications submitted online, mail proof of residency to the foundation with a note to affix to the application. Graduating high school seniors must have a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

The deadline for submission of applications is 5 p.m. Jan. 28. More information about requirements and applications are available through the San Diego Foundation Web site at http://www.sdfoundation.org or by calling (619) 235-2300.

B&G Clubs of San Dieguito Foundation

SOLANA BEACH -- The Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito Foundation sponsors various scholarships focusing on financial need and students with potential for success. There also are scholarships available for elementary-age children for private schools who seek to improve learning abilities. For more information, call the foundation office at (858) 755-9012.

Cardiff Library 'Friends'

CARDIFF -- The Friends of the Cardiff-By-The-Sea Library is offering four $1,000 scholarships, two for graduating high school seniors and two for continuing, graduate or undergraduate college students. Applicants must reside in ZIP Codes 92007, 92023 or 92024, and submit a short biography or essay and two letters of recommendation. Application forms are available on the Web site, http://www.friendscardifflibrary.org, or at the library Book Nook, 2081 Newcastle Ave. The deadline for applying for a scholarship is May 1, and the winners will be announced on or before June 1.

Essay contest announced

NORTH COUNTY -- To advance the understanding of global issues among young people, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF has launched a national essay contest for young people interested in participating in the Junior 8 (J8) Summit, a youth event convened this year in Japan and linked to the annual Group of 8 (G8) Summit.

Organized by UNICEF and now in its fourth year, the J8 program affords young people the unique opportunity to become involved in the topics that concern G8 countries and the broader global community.

Schools and youth groups across the nation are encouraged to recruit teams of four young people, ages 13 to 17 years, to draw from their knowledge, understanding and perspectives on a range of global issues and compete through this essay contest for the opportunity to represent the U.S. at the J8 summit in July in Hokkaido, Japan. Along with the 500-word essay, teams also must submit a written declaration or a multi-media project.

Teams competing to attend this year's J8 will address the following issues: global warming and climate change; poverty and development; and child survival, infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS. All applications must be submitted by March 1, with winners scheduled to be announced no later than March 3. The winning U.S. team will join youth delegations from the other G8 member countries, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Russia Federation and the United Kingdom.

For more information on criteria and rules of competition and to download a contest application, go to: http://www.unicefusa.org/youthaction.

Red Cross Clubs help others

NORTH COUNTY -- Members of Red Cross Clubs on campuses in San Diego County and across the United States perform a number of service projects, including raising funds for international efforts such as providing measles vaccinations throughout the world and assisting people affected by recent wildfires in the county. Students or teachers interested in starting a Red Cross Club at their school should call Kristen Guiffre at (858) 309-1273 or e-mail kristen.giuffre@sdarc.org.

RBHS Grad Nite meeting planned

RANCHO BERNARDO -- An all-volunteer meeting to plan Rancho Bernardo High School's upcoming Grad Nite celebration will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 28 in the library of the campus, 13010 Paseo Lucindo. Volunteers are needed for decorating, construction, fundraising, setup, teardown and working the actual event on June 12. Parent volunteers from all grade levels are needed. For more information, contact Liz Frakes, committee chair, at lfrakes@san.rr.com.

Rincon plans recycling day

ESCONDIDO -- Rincon Middle School, 925 Lehner Ave., will hold a Community Recycling Day from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 1.

Rincon is working with the Recycling Stewardship Program to help clean up the community. Items including electronics and appliances, batteries, metal furniture and newspapers will be accepted; hazardous materials and fluorescent light bulbs will not.

The school will have a drop-off point at a trailer in the far east end of the parking lot near the field and the science buildings. There will be someone on hand to help unload if needed. Free pick up of items at other locations can be arranged after the day of the event. For more information, call (760) 917-3342.

OGHS Athletic Boosters plan auction

ESCONDIDO -- Orange Glen High School's Athletic Boosters group is planning the 12th annual Dick Disney Memorial Auction on April 5 in the school's gymnasium. Sponsors and donations for the live and silent auctions are needed. All proceeds go to the school's athletic teams. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Anyone interested in sponsorships or donating auction items should call Deb Geurian at (760) 745-2576.

Fun Fest to be held

POWAY -- Family activities, food, music and a variety of activities will be featured at Community Christian Preschool's second Annual Fun Fest and Silent Auction, to be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Feb. 9 at the school, 13501 Community Road.

The event, open to the community, will offer a bounce house, obstacle courses, soccer shoot-outs, crafts and face painting. Attendees also will be able to participate in a silent auction. Highlights include a San Diego Chargers autographed jersey, laser eye surgery, golf certificates and wine gift baskets. Music this year will be provided by A Wing and A Prayer, with a special guest appearance by popular children's musician Steve from "Hullabaloo." Local restaurants Panera, Joey's BBQ, Outback and Hamburger Factory have also stepped up to provide food for the event.

The event last year raised nearly $12,000 for the school. Tickets cost $20 per family and include all activities, crafts and food. Tickets can be purchased by calling Community Christian Preschool at (858) 748-3074 or at the door the day of the event.

Fore more information, call (858) 748-3074.

Escondido resident makes dean's list

Silvia Diffenderfer of Escondido was named to the 2007-08 first semester dean's list at Hope College in St. Holland, Mich. She is the daughter of Jan and Barbara Diffenderfer. To be named to the list, students must have a minimum 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

Student Speakers Contest set

ENCINITAS -- The Encinitas Lions Club will hold a Student Speakers Contest at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 10 in Room 140 of the Encinitas Senior Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive.

A maximum of four student speakers will be accepted. The contest is open to ninth- through 12th-graders, including foreign exchange students, of any high, middle, charter, private or home school, as well as independent study students.

The topic is "Immigration -- My Solution." Students should prepare a speech of no more than 10 minutes, and not less than five minutes delivery time. Speeches will be judged on delivery, content and effectiveness. The winner will receive $50, and the other three contestants $25. Winners of each club's contest will go on to compete at zone, region, district, area and final contests.

For more information and to register, contact Ron Zehr at (760) 753-0159 or rgzehr@cox.net.

Oratorical competition planned

VISTA -- The Optimist Club of Vista is encouraging area students to speak their minds on the topic "Why Me? Why Not?" as part of the Optimist International Oratorical Contest. The local event will be held March 10 art the club's Shadowridge facility.

The club will judge local students' speeches based on content and presentation to determine the top winners. First-, second- and third-place winners will receive scholarship grants. Winning speakers will have a chance to compete at the zone level and possibly the district level to win additional college scholarships. Students younger than 16 as of Dec. 31, 2007 are eligible to participate.

The deadline to hand in speeches is Feb. 26. Students interested in participating should call Don Marks at (760) 726-7209.

St. Mary plans Open House

OCEANSIDE -- As part of Catholic Schools Week, St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish School, 515 Wisconsin Ave., will hold an Open House from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 27. Principal Alan Hicks invites the community to learn more about the school and Catholic education. The 2008 theme of the week, Jan. 27 through Feb. 2, is "Catholic Schools Light the Way," which highlights the mission of Catholic schools to provide a faith-based education that supports the whole child academically and spiritually, and prepares the student for future success.

Preschool open house slated

OCEANSIDE -- The Christian Preschool of the Arts, 4507 Mission Ave., will hold an Open House from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 29. Director Kristin Erwin will offer tours of the campus, and explain the school's unique emphasis on the arts combined with a Christian environment. The school is a ministry of Community Lutheran Church. For more information, call (760) 722-1705.

Essay contest opens

OCEANSIDE -- The Oceanside Optimist Club has opened its annual essay contest to high school students in Oceanside. This year's theme is "Today's Choices Shape My Future." The deadline is Feb. 6. Interested students should contact their guidance counselor or Dorothy Baker at rdbaker@cox.net.

TPHS alumnus joins college honors society

Nicholas C. Rodes of Encinitas has been recognized as a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda, a national leadership and honors organization at the University of Southern California. Sigma Alpha Lambda promotes and rewards academic achievement and gives its members opportunities for community service, personal development and professional fulfillment. Rodes is a sophomore in the Viterbi School of Engineering majoring in biomedical engineering. He is a 2006 graduate of Torrey Pines High School, where he was a member of the varsity baseball team. He is the son of Gordon and Leslie Monteath of Encinitas.

Grants for teachers available

Elementary and middle school teachers from school districts in Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad and Oceanside are eligible to apply for Education PLUS Grants. The mini-grants will be awarded for innovative classroom projects in math and science instruction, real world applications of classroom learning, language enrichment, music, and creative and performing arts programs. Grant requirements and applications are available on the foundation's Web site at http://www.coastalfoundation.org. Completed applications are due by Feb. 21.