Two Dozen Seniors Awarded SLTA Scholarships

By John Lew, San Leandro High School

On Tuesday, June 7, 23 seniors were awarded with the San Leandro Teachers Association (SLTA) Scholarship. The SLTA Scholarship Tea was held at San Leandro High School at 2:30 p.m. The students chosen for the scholarship were all thankful for the education they received throughout their lives.

The vast majority of the recipients were incredibly well-rounded, participating in such activities as sports, clubs, leadership and community service, all on top of maintaining high grades.

Each student was allowed to bring three of their favorite teachers, usually one from elementary, middle and high school. The students who received the scholarship include Ernestine Green, Matt Medeiros, Stella Ng, Elena Nicole Steele, Olga Garcia Ruiz, Andy Gee, Winifred Chan, Jose Contreras, Haylee Aidnik, Tashae Sterling, Jeffrey Engler, Onel Feliciano, Thi Vo, Maria Montes, Vanessa Vinoya, Amelia Diaz, Maggie Fishbaugh, Puja Bhakta, Erich Coulter, Smith Chung, Cambria Square, and Sherman Teo. Most of the students were seniors from San Leandro High, and a few were children of a San Leandro teacher, allowing them eligibility.

More than 40 students applied for the scholarship; the SLTA Scholarship Committee picked 23.

Applications included a personal statement and an interview with a member of the SLTA Scholarship Committee: Sallie Caraballo, Victor Doan, Cheryl Babel, Starla Mason or Mike Mandel.

Students walked to the front when their names were called. Either Mason or Madel invited their teacher guests and family to the front, then gave a background biography of accomplishments, awards, quotes from other teachers and the student’s college they plan to attend.

More than half the students planned on attending a University of California campus.

The Scholarship Tea concluded with recipient Vanessa Vinoya, whom not only received the SLTA scholarship, but also the Charles Kuruc Scholarship.

Kuruc was a former AP U.S. History teacher who passed away in the middle of last year. Many students still remember having Kuruc as a teacher their junior year.

Last year’s recipient of that scholarship was Joe Rivano Barros, who is currently attending Stanford University.