2020 Scholarship Recipients

Jackson Horn is sponsored by his Grandfather, William G Horn. Jackson graduated from Escondido Charter High School, Escondido, CA, with a 3.98 GPA; a class of 99 (no ranking reported). Quoting from his applicant statement, “I have always been interested in art and engineering to some capacity, but I never considered pursuing art as a career until recent years. I attended Escondido Charter High School where I was a leader on the robotics team and am currently a member of the California Scholarship Federation, National Honor Society and our Digital Art Club. As part of NHS, I perform weekly house and yard work for the elderly at the nearby mobile home park. I have traveled abroad as well, for volunteer work in Uganda, where I helped teach at Omuto Emmanus Elementary School and High School. As part of robotics, I have also volunteered in helping host elementary and middle school robotics competitions for FIRST. As part of the team, I was the fabrication and assembly lead during my last year, but I originally joined because they needed an artist to create a new logo. Through this, I learned how I could turn art into a career, something I had never seriously considered before, but had dreamed about. But since my career will last the majority of my adult life, I decided to make it something I have always enjoyed and always will, art, through the medium of 3D modeling and animation.”

Jackson’s statement continues: He has poured a lot of time into the things he cares about; robotics for example: taking up to 15 hours a week during competition season. He believes his greatest assets are loyalty and adaptability, i.e., “adapt; overcome; improvise.” Jackson is considering two colleges, one for his bachelor’s in Digital Art, and he may pursue a degree in History; a subject he also enjoys. Depending on what option he decides for, he will ultimately attend Grad School for a Masters’ degree in art. Jackson’s “youth pastor and life-long mentor” says, on his Reference Report, “Jackson’s qualities that have impressed me the most over the years are his intelligence, diligence, and sense of responsibility. His intelligence has been demonstrated through the deep questions he would ask during youth group. His strategic and critical thinking skills often gave his team an advantage during group games and competitions. Jackson’s diligence was clear in every project I have seen him undertake, at youth camp, on community service projects and in school. His strong sense of responsibility has been demonstrated in the example he has set for younger brothers. Jackson’s responsibility has also been evident through his respectful communication with adults and those in authority.”

Ella J Player is sponsored by her Grandfather, Michael Player. Ella graduated from Sage Creek High School, Carlsbad, CA, with a 4.22 GPA; ranked #35 in a class of 268. Quoting from her applicant statement, “There is a student at my school who reads physics textbooks like they’re Lord of the Rings, whose pen scribbles down the answer to differential equations like they’re suffering from hypergraphia – I’ve never been one of them. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that the world doesn’t need people to be the best, it also needs diversity. I have my own value: not in constantly comparing my achievements to others, but in being a completely unique individual with my own perspective and ideas for the world. So even though I’m not the type of person who discusses the theory of relativity for fun, or who will become America’s Next Top Surgeon, I have other strengths and passions: from classical acting, to comedic improv, to the complete memorization of Hamilton, to a passion for team-building and community. Even if I’m just spreading kindness and empathy to my peers, I’m filling my own little niche. What I’ve finally realized is that who I am, though I may not be the same as others, is a wonderfully unique human with a personality absolutely worth cultivating. I may not have my entire life path completely figured out already, but I know my goal: to increase the amount of happiness in the world as much as possible.”

Ella’s statement continues: In her school and community, Ella strives to reflect the core of kindness and empathy that is important to her. She has found a home and second family on her robotics team, because they all strive to be kind, encouraging, and empathetic to each other. She helps everyone feel included and welcome in their activities. Ella is anxious to go to college, where she can truly thrive and become the best version of herself. As someone with a passion for both STEM and the humanities, she has realized that regardless of the major she selects, she “wants to help others realize their own value, like she has realized her own.” One of Ella’s teachers wrote, on her Reference Report, “Ella is probably the scholarship applicant with the highest test scores and grades, having the most persistence and grit. She shows a genuine interest in learning about course content throughout the school year especially seen in AP courses where there is an inherent daily grind of notetaking and writing as required for AP exams. Ella has been involved in a number of student-led clubs, played field hockey for several years, volunteered with children to teach them robotics, participated in four years of musical performances, and has actively debated in Model United Nations.”

Lily Silva is sponsored by her Father Bruce Silva. Lily graduated from Mission Vista High School, Oceanside, CA, with a 4.07 GPA; a class of 346 (VUSD doesn’t rank). Quoting from her applicant statement, “Mission Vista High School, is dual-magnet public school that utilizes a four-by-four schedule. This schedule is very rigorous because it requires the completion of a full year’s worth of work in one semester. This is especially demanding when taking Advanced Placement courses. I have taken nine total AP classes; five of those being in my senior year alone. My academic record has been very consistent, obtaining mostly A’s, and some B’s. The one exception is the AP Physics I class I took my sophomore year. While I had a difficult time in this class, earning a C and D, I was determined to learn the material, take the class again, and improve my grade. In fact, I did take the class again in my junior year and earned A’s. This strong tenacity is reflected in my 3.81 unweighted academic GPA and my 4.07 weighted academic GPA for the 10th through 12th grade. On campus, I am involved in the California Scholarship Federation and the National Honor Society. Both driven by service, I have completed 125 hours of community service alone in these two clubs. I am the elected Treasurer in the other two clubs I participate in, math club and academic team. I have gained valuable time management and organizational skills, both of which I have used in my academic classes.”

Lily’s statement continues: She has been a Girl Scout for the past ten years; serving on the planning committee for two encampments for her local service unit; each for over 100 girls. She has taken piano lessons for one hour every week for over ten years. Being classically trained, the skills she needed to learn in order to excel have not come easily. For years she consistently dedicated time to practice scales, learn music theory, and memorize pieces to become as skilled as she is today. She has traveled to the American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers Music Expo in Los Angeles to learn about music careers and the music business in general, which gave her a new perspective on the subject. Lily was able to send one of her own compositions to the World Wildlife Fund, an organization that works in the field of wilderness preservation. Each student created a composition for an endangered animal, all of which came together to created one giant ode to endangered species. Lily is planning to major in Political Science, with hope of obtaining either a master’s degree in Public Policy/International Relations or going to law school. One of Lily’s teacher says, on her Reference Report, “Lily is an incredibly hard worker. I have known her since she was a freshman and have not seen or heard her complain once. She earns everything through dedication, perseverance and positive attitude.”

Hannah M. Tran is sponsored by her Grandparents, Ronald and Helen Read. Hannah graduated from Mission Vista High School, Oceanside, CA, with a 4.28 GPA; a class of 346 (VUSD doesn’t rank). Quoting from her applicant statement, “Countless factors have made me the person I am today, though the most significant involve my family, faith, schooling, and extracurriculars. These have made me quite a different person than most people my age. Often, this allows me to provide different perspectives and opinions in conversations or whatever project I work on. Because of my logical, thoughtful approach I take to solving problems, I often stand out to my teachers and other leaders in my life. I grew up with my father, mother, older brother, and twin sister. My father was born in Vietnam. He had to learn English and go back to school to become an electrical engineer, but for most of my life he also built houses. The last one he built we live in now.”

Hannah’s statement continues: Her father has always insisted that her first responsibility is to work hard and get a good education. Hannah considers herself to be a well-rounded student. However, because of her dad’s tutoring she is more interested in math and science. Her mother raised her and her siblings, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. From “mom,” Hannah has learned to be self-reliant and patient, to approach situations with maturity and to focus on improvement rather than criticism. Because of her father’s background in math and science and her mother’s background in English and languages, Hannah has had excellent support in all area of academics. In her high school years, Hannah kept very busy outside her academic responsibilities, e.g., CA Scholarship Federation, National Honors Society, Varsity Academic Team, and the American Sign Language Club. Exposure to her school’s computer science program, motivated Hannah to pursue computer programming in college and in her future career. She looks forward to attending Brigham Young University, Provo in the Fall and major in Computer Science: “Bioinformatics Emphasis.” Hannah and her twin sister Rebekah are both recipients of RESDC’s 2020 merit scholarship; they placed #1 and #2 of this year’s five awards. Hannah’s “10-year mentor” says, on her Reference Report, “Hannah is very analytical, which explains her interest in Science, Computers, and Medicine. However, she is extremely creative. She is an exceptional artist, painter and performer. She is kind to everyone and is always the one to point out who is missing or who could use some extra help or encouragement.”

Rebekah Tran is sponsored by her Grandparents Ronald and Helen Read. Rebekah graduated from Mission Vista High School, Oceanside, CA, with a 4.32 GPA; a class of 346 (VUSD doesn’t rank). Quoting from her applicant statement, “I come from a multicultural background. My mom is of Northern European descent, my dad was born in Vietnam. After leaving Vietnam in 1981, my dad entered the U.S. and became a citizen. He earned a BS and MS in Electrical Engineering, leading to a successful career. His persistence through his life is a huge example as I look to my own aspirations and goals. My mom’s influence is also great. She is there when I am anxious or sad and is always ready to celebrate my success. The best thing is that she loves me unconditionally which encourages me to do my best. Throughout my life, I have transitioned from relying on the beliefs of my mother to gaining my own understanding of what I believe. I have grown to be a devout member of The Church of Latter-Day Saints and actively participate in my church. Being a part of all of these things has taught me to be confident, think for myself, and feel loved by my family, friends and Heavenly Father.”

Rebekah’s statement continues: In her computer science classes, she learned Java, JavaScript, and C++ to create applications like websites and computer games. In the school’s Computer Science Club, she helped make a virtual reality obstacle course and showcase it at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. She enrolled in the Technical Theatre Department’s; Stage I and II, learning about stage lighting, sound, costuming and design; and assisting with various shows on campus. She has taken all four American Sign Language classes and recently put on a Disney-themed signing showcase with her ASL 4 class, in which ASL students signed along to Disney songs. She is planning to enroll in Brigham Young University, Provo’s Computer Science Program, but has not decided on an emphasis. Rebekah and her twin sister Hannah are both recipients of RESDC’s 2020 merit scholarship; they placed #1 and #2 of this year’s five awards. One of Rebekah’s references wrote on her report, “Rebekah is a kind and caring person, who conscientiously includes everyone in her circle of influence. Because of her example of righteous and moral living, and her explanation to other girls as to how they can also live that life, Rebekah was called to be the President of her class.

2020 LA RUE PIERCE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT

Rachael Frey is sponsored by her Grandmother, Patricia Murray. Rachel graduated from Ramona High School, Ramona, CA, with a 4.07 GPA; ranked 42, of 349. Quoting from her applicant statement, “Growing up my life had an extraordinary amount of ups and downs. Throughout the formative years of my childhood, my father was frequently absent, whether it was a jail sentence or because he just wasn’t physically prepared to be a father; and my mother being young and single, found that it was much easier to be my friend than to actually be my parent. My single string of stability was my grandmother; a woman who took on the struggle of raising yet another kid, even when her own health took a turn for the worst. Surprisingly all this struggle turned me into an immensely grounded person who has a burning need for stability. I filled every aspect of my life with a task; spending free moments expanding my educational abilities, finding new hobbies to pick up whether it be singing or sewing, or even competing in a sport that I would have normally found appalling. For almost the past year and a half I have been dragging myself out of bed at 5:00 am just to commute 45 minutes to school, while still maintaining a 4.0 or higher GPA, competing in both high school and club lacrosse, and finding time to get in my volunteer hours coaching middle school lacrosse girls and at the local library. I also spent one of my class periods every day, helping out in the school’s special needs classroom known as Tom’s Club rather than having a period off. This is probably my favorite part of the day, getting to work with those kids and teaching them life skills. I’ve been helping in this class for the past two years and honestly, I wish I had a few more to spend there.”

Rachel’s statement continues: She has been accepted to the Montana State University and offered a partial academic scholarship. She also has Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. as a backup plan. At either of these schools she intends to study Psychology, with emphasis on Childhood Development. Her career goal is to work in the Child Psychology field; school counseling; through a doctor’s office; or some form of social work. Rachel’s AP-History teacher says, in his Reference Report, “Rachel has not only been an academic success at RHS, but also an outstanding contributor to the RHS community. Rachel has maintained an excellent GPA in Advanced Placement, Honors, and college prep level courses and has been an RHS Peer Tutor, working with students with special needs. Rachel was named the Ramona Rotary Student of the Month in the Spring of 2019 and in 2018 earned the Bulldog Award for her outstanding values and sportsmanship with Ramona Lacrosse. Rachel has volunteered with the Ramona Public Library and has coached lacrosse at Olive Pierce Middle School. Rachel Frey has great drive, an outstanding work ethic and a strong dedication to success. She sets her goals very high, determines what is necessary to reach those goals and then is tireless in her effort to see them achieved. She has a “never say die” attitude and will make the sacrifices needed to get a job done.”

Rachael has been selected to receive the LaRue Pierce Community Service Award. This award was established in memory of LaRue Pierce, RESDC Director and Scholarship Committee Chair during the first 18 years of the RESDC Scholarship Program, and her spirit of community service.

Congratulations to all our participants. The San Diego County retirees are very proud of their children and grandchildren, and their scholastic, civic, and social accomplishments. Best wishes to all for continued success.

Our deepest appreciation and credit for the Scholarship Program’s success goes to the Selection Committee, whose independent and confidential effort ensures the quality of results. We are most proud and honored to have them as part of the RESDC team. □

Theo and Evelyn Yakel 2020 Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to the four recipients of the Theo and Evelyn Yakel Scholarships for 2020! Each student received $1,500. The four students are in alphabetical order:

Gracie Griswold, sponsored by John Oldenkamp.

Annika Ross, sponsored by Sandra Ross.

Cardiff Smith, sponsored by Maureen Smith.

Eric Workman, sponsored by Jacqueline Workman.

In 2001, RESDC member Theo Yakel and his wife, Evelyn, placed a $250,000 endowment with the San Diego Foundation for the purpose of awarding scholarships to children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren of members of The Retired Employees of San Diego County. The interest from the endowment is used to fund the annual scholarships. Many thanks to Theo and Evelyn for their generous endowment to provide financial assistance to young people seeking higher education at a college or university.

The Yakel Scholarships are in addition to and complementary to the scholarships that RESDC awards. This is another opportunity for the families of RESDC members.

Congratulations and good luck to all of the 2020 Scholarship Recipients. □