Ramona High School celebrated its graduating seniors with a festive Senior Scholarship Night on May 23, where more than $122,000 in scholarships were awarded. The event, held outdoors at Ramona High, was attended by a crowd of parents, students, and well-wishers.
Principal Antoinette Rodriguez announced the impressive sum, attributing it to the generosity of businesses, organizations, and individuals within the community. “We appreciate your time, commitment, and generosity,” she expressed to the crowd.
The evening began with the announcement of the school’s co-valedictorians, Emma Beck and David Palomino. Both students will receive the traditional Old Miner award and have the honor of speaking at the graduation ceremony on June 6. Beck plans to attend UC San Diego, while Palomino will head to UCLA in the fall.
Ramona Unified School District Superintendent Brian Thurman presented the RUSD Administrative Leadership Team Scholarships, each worth $200, to five students: Juana Tellez, Laura Sutton, Evelyn Rico, Chase Newman, and Katerina Hegemeyer. “Tonight sheds light not only on our students, but it sheds light on community involvement and how much the community contributes,” Thurman noted.
The event also honored the memory of former students. Social science teacher Robin Brainard awarded the Andrew Luke Memorial Scholarship to Juliana De La Rosa. Luke, who passed away from cancer, was remembered for his aspirations to become a lawyer and eventually the president of the United States. Brainard remarked that Luke would be proud of De La Rosa and her potential to make a significant impact on the world.
Additional memorial scholarships were awarded in memory of Karma and Abba McCalister, who tragically died in a car collision 32 years ago, and in the names of Shea Bailey and Kevin Collier.
Jane Vidal of the Friends of the Ramona Library awarded eight scholarships, including six to Ramona High students, in honor of Dick Wayman, a former vice president of the Friends who significantly contributed to the library’s design, making it more accessible to residents.
The arts were represented by Jill Bacorn of the Ramona Council of Arts Unlimited, who awarded a $500 scholarship to aspiring professional dancer Lily Polemis and a $750 scholarship to William MacLeod, who aims to become a screenwriter.
Carol Fowler of the Ramona Rotary Club presented $500 scholarships to six students and $1,000 scholarships to another six students. She offered sage advice to the recipients: “When life hits hard, be like a duck and let it roll off your back. Great job to all of you.”
Pete Johnson awarded $500 John Wayne McKinney Memorial Scholarships to four students on behalf of the Santa Maria Masonic Lodge. The Ramona Woman’s Club and Soroptimist International of Ramona each awarded $1,000 scholarships to multiple students, with the latter awarding scholarships to 19 students.
In her closing remarks, Principal Rodriguez congratulated the Class of 2024 scholarship recipients for their hard work and dedication. “I want to honor all of you for your hard work and dedication,” she said.
The Senior Scholarship Night was a testament to the community’s support for its students, helping them take significant steps towards their future educational pursuits.
