2023 Scholarship Recipients

Maria Adriana Allen is sponsored by her Mother Maria Veronica Allen. Maria, graduated from Murrieta Mesa HS, Murrieta, CA with a 4.3 GPA (ranked 16 of 527 graduates).

Personal Statement: As the high school senior year comes to an end, Maria feels the pressure to decide who she wants to be. A year seems like a long time, yet planning for the rest of one’s life is not easy. She sees her “high school tenure” as “the time during which, we are becoming who we want to be.” She has decided that “creative expression” is where her future lies…!” Starting with scribbles and swirls on a blank page (a work titled ‘Circles’), she has progressed to layering paints to fill the entire canvas. While it is a form of expression, she noticed that it has helped her in other areas of her life. Observing the details of color and brush strokes in other paintings has led her to develop a keener eye. This particular skill helps with her classes, as she can remember more of the course content, Art also helps her reach out to others. She had the opportunity to create cards for kids suffering with cancer, while she was taking part in an event with the National Honor Society; the cards can make a difference in the Children’s lives; even in a small way.

Writing a story is typically done with words, but Maria found out that it can also be done with music. The progression of a song can put a person through many emotions. She wants to create that same progression through writing her own compositions. Her academics have improved along with her progress in playing the piano. This process taught her to multitask, and it has built her logical thinking skills. Playing at Church events, at talent shows, and the school band has taught her the importance of attention to detail. One of Maria’s immediate goals is to be accepted into the University of California, Los Angeles. She plans to pursue a major in math and minor in music and use those skills to serve others. For her, it is an honor to receive this Scholarship from RESDC.

Quoting from her Reference Report: “Maria Adriana is a committed student and responsible high school senior who is ready to make great strides in her transition to college, as she is devoted to success. She is a “difference maker;” on the path of leadership as a young woman with a love for math. “She will pay it forward” by mentoring other women who desire to achieve successful careers in the challenging STEMS fields. She is a kind-spirited person and gifted as an incredible pianist. Maria will truly encourage and instill inspiration to everyone she meets along her college and career journey.“

Garett Denton is sponsored by his Grandfather Armon George Kneeshaw. Garett, graduated from Ramona HS, Ramona, CA with a 4.1 GPA (ranked 43 of 340 graduates).

Personal Statement: Over the years, Garett has become determined to succeed, be involved in his community and make a difference in the future. He was raised by a very supportive family that values time together and knows firsthand that each day is not guaranteed. He started playing sports at 5 years of age; played baseball and soccer. Baseball became his passion for 10 years; he practiced everyday to be able to successfully become the pitcher that his team needed. He was determined to be a leader; hold his team to higher sportsmanship than the others. Lead by example was his motto. He finished his 10th baseball season winning a championship in his hometown, in front of his friends, family and coaches. His love for baseball was carried on by helping his dad coach his little brother’s team. Having a 7-year age difference had its challenges. These boys looked up to him for not only hitting or catching advice, but leadership. How he handled striking out was how they would; how he treated other teammates, coaches, umpires helped them be successful at any sport they chose.

In high school, Garett decided to run cross country and track. This proved to be the biggest challenge yet. He qualified for the varsity team his freshman year. Soon after that, his legs gave out and he started to have back issues. He was diagnosed with Scheuermann’s disease, an inside disc bulge and scoliosis; could his running career be over at 16? Following doctors and sports injury experts’ advice, together with an intensive programmed training routine, he was able to conquer his condition and succeed at racing again. He finished his 4th Varsity cross country season and became team captain in the Fall of 2022. He has just started his 4th season of track and field and is looking to having his best season yet. Garett volunteers every Sunday with North Coast Church in Ramona, setting up and taking down the venue, for the weekly service.

Garett has gone through struggles, stayed strong, has not given up and truly believes that a positive mindset is what will make a difference in this world. He has been accepted into Grand Canyon University and will be pursuing a career in Criminal Justice starting August 2023. He is truly excited for this opportunity and is honored to be able to follow in his “Grandpa’s footsteps” in a law enforcement career.

Quoting from his Reference Report: “Garett is a respectful young man who comes from a hardworking Christian family. He is a decorated distance runner and has been involved with the track team for years. He is a leader and inspiration to the team, always positive, always encouraging others to do their best. He leads workouts and coaches the younger runners on form and technique. He is patient, well-spoken and is well liked by the team. He is helpful at home, looking after his younger brother. He also helps his Grandfather, taking him grocery shopping and running errands for him.”

Regina Enriquez is sponsored by her Grandmother Josefina Ranido. Regina, graduated from Academy of the Canyons, Valencia, CA with a 4.5 GPA (ranked 53 of 92 graduates).

Personal Statement: At the Academy of the Canyons, Regina is part of various clubs dedicated to serving the community. One of these is Project Linus; she has been part of this project for six years. During this time, she has served the community by providing handmade blankets to children that are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. When she is not in school, Regina enjoys playing the piano; although considered a hobby, she has been playing for the past seven years and has dedicated a lot of time to her music studies; currently she is enrolled in the Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC). In this program, students test every year in the area of repertoire, sight reading, and theory testing from preparatory level to level 10. Regina has earned “Branch Honors” every year that she has tested. This recognition is achieved by getting a score of Excellent on the test. She is planning to enter the nursing program at College of The Canyons and pursue a career in the nursing field. Some day she will delight her patients and people in her care, with a “Heavenly Piano Concert…!”

Quoting from her Reference Report: “Regina deeply understands the meaning of selfless giving and asks for nothing in return. She is the example we should all follow in that she sees what needs to be done and will fill such needs without prompting. She has the heart of a healer and she is someone we actually look to as a model of human behavior. She not only manages her time under an extremely heavy school workload; she handles such things with the grace and poise that surpasses most adults. Regina is a graceful, poised, and strong individual that is a beautiful example of maturity and intelligence.

Regina is a very accomplished piano player. As a member of MTAC, and having proven her skills consistently for over seven years, she will be highly qualified to teach music professionally. She has always wanted to be a nurse. Coming from a family of medical care professionals, she has extensive knowledge of the grit, dedication, and educational expectations that nurses must face and eagerly looks forward to joining the medical field. Her desire to help others is most evident in her every action. We should consider ourselves blessed to learn how to be better watching her example.”

Benjamin Hayes is sponsored by his Grandfather Daniel E. Kelley. Benjamin, graduated from Ann Sobrato HS, Morgan Hill, CA with a 4.6 GPA (ranked 8 of 390 graduates).

Personal Statement: Benjamin’s sports commitments (wrestling and cross country running) have been the extracurricular highlight of his high school experience. With a broad array of achievements, he has been commended in the local paper. Along with the team captains, he was asked to give a speech at the end of year banquet, because of his role as a team leader.

Benjamin’s Academic awards during this same period at Sobrato HS, include “Commended Student” for the National Merit Scholarship program in addition to placing in the 99th percentile for his score of “35” on the ACT. For his science project on Llagas Creek (entitled “Creek Stew”), he received an honorable mention for biology in the Synopsys Science Fair; also selected as one of ten award-winners statewide by the California Association of Professional Scientists. For his scores of “5” across the board on all six AP tests he has taken to this date; received the award of AP Scholar with Distinction.

Last summer, Benjamin worked for Johnson Lumber (lumber supplier with retail and wholesale distribution) in Morgan Hill. He served both retail and wholesale customers by filling orders across our supply, typically by hand. Both customers and coworkers (therefore himself) often only spoke Spanish. He delivered communications between both sides of the yard. He was regularly commended by customers, supervisors and coworkers to management for my diligence.

Benjamin maintained other extracurriculars of no less importance; over twelve years of classical piano. He put on concerts during the pandemic. He is currently Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper, a group he founded his senior year as part of a yearlong class.

Benjamin intends to major in one or more of the following: English, biology, history, political science. He has applied to at least 10 major universities and when the final determination is made, he plans to pursue post-graduate studies to attain a medical or law degree, at the university of his choice.
Quoting from his Reference Report: “Benjamin is a sharp, passionate, inquisitive, and intellectually curious young man who has an exceptional work ethic. I have met few other students so absolutely engaged in learning; his pursuit of knowledge extends far beyond the classroom. Interested in becoming a professor, scientist, or lawyer Ben is adept at creating connections and can easily see how all courses correlate with one another. He is definitely the epitome of a Renaissance man. Because of this, he values his history and English classes as much as his computer science and Calculus classes.”

Riley Rippengale is sponsored by her Grandfather John McTighe. Riley graduated from Grossmont Union HS, El Cajon, CA with a 4.65 GPA (ranked 15 of 540 graduates).

Personal Statement: The past four years at Grossmont HS have revealed Riley’s strength of character and the depth of her commitment to growing intellectually, socially, as well as physically. Participating in cross-country since the summer before “freshman year;” not having ran (for sport) ever before, Riley was very nervous about starting high school. However, her mom encouraged her to join a sports team, in order to meet some people before the official start of the school year. Deciding to pursue something completely new opened the door to many opportunities that have made her high school experience a resounding success. Participating in Cross Country taught her that resilience and humility are key to being a good leader. When she focused on team success rather than personal disappointments, it made her teammates feel valued and supported.

Another opportunity Riley took advantage of was the Peer Listening Program. The main purpose of this program is to build a safe space for students to come to when they need extra support. Through Peer Listening Riley made the biggest impact on others, as well as on her own life. Throughout this process, Riley matured and recognized the importance of mental health for herself and others.

Quoting from her Reference Report: “Riley’s cumulative GPA reflects her unblemished academic record; powerful, proven leadership skills, heartfelt care for others, and unmatched organizational skills. She is a stellar student, but more importantly, she is an empathetic leader who takes on challenges to bring people together. Riley’s strong commitment to our Peer Leader Program has enabled her to build interpersonal skills by successfully completing extensive training in communication skills, decision making, and conflict mediation, which prepared her to serve as Peer Listener and Peer Mediator for other students going through personal concerns or social conflicts. Through this program she continually strives to breakdown stereotypes and create a more accepting inclusive school culture at Grossmont High School. In addition to Riley’s success in the classroom and Student Government, she has been a member of Grossmont’s Link Crew, mentoring 9th grade students. She is one of those rare students who goes above and beyond what is required to make her school a better place. As of early January 2023, Riley had been accepted into Loyola Marymount and is waiting for reply to her applications to other nationally recognized institutions. Her plan is to pursue a degree in communications and/or environmental science.” □

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Theo and Evelyn Yakel 2021 Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to the seven recipients of the Theo and Evelyn Yakel Scholarships for 2023! Each student receives $1,500. The Board members of RESDC, are honored to partner with the San Diego Foundation in this effort:

Abigail E. Patnoe, SPONSOR: Judith Lemen.
Elyssa J. Wonnell, SPONSOR: Glenn Sailer.
Garrett Denton, SPONSOR: Armon George Kneeshaw.
Kaitlyn Oden, SPONSOR: Robert Morales.
Kaleb Hartman, SPONSOR: Kathryn Hartman.
Riley Catherine Rippengale, SPONSOR: John McTighe.
Sydney Sexton, SPONSOR: Frank Haag.

In 2001, former 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 (RESDC). 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 2023 Scholarship Recipients. □

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