2017 Awards Reception Program 2017 Awards Program_FINAL_web | Page 7

Joseph May Vanessa Munoz
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Archbishop Riordan High School
Will attend Pitzer College
Donors: Alison Bowe Diessner &
Jeremy Diessner Immaculate Conception Academy
Will attend University of San Francisco
Donor: Lyn Isbell
Latina women are often portrayed
as dropouts or young mothers.
Constantly hearing from society that
I was going to end up that way
encouraged me to break the cycle.
My sister describes her college
experience as the best decision she
made so far. I am determined to use
my college degree to make a difference
in this world.
Kevin Menacho Brian Ngo
Gateway High School
Will attend UC Riverside
Donors: Carla & Paul Cooper,
Susan & Thomas Newmeyer Lowell High School
Will attend UC Santa Barbara
The Swartz Family 10x10 Award
Donors: Susan & Jim Swartz
What excites me about obtaining a
college degree is knowing that I
now hold the key to my future. It will
show that I am capable despite what I
look like or where I come from. Coming from a family of refugees,
there were not many opportunities
for my family to advance in
education. I want this degree for my
family and myself.
Makayla Mouton Gisselle Ortega
Burton High School
Will attend CSU San Jose
Donor: The David and Maria
Waitrovich Family Charitable Fund O'Connell High School
Will attend Holy Names University
Donors: Mary & Michael Wolfe
As a first generation student, I want
to make my family proud and
accomplish my lifelong dream of
becoming a doctor.
Even though it's a struggle, I will do
whatever it takes to reach my goals.
I am excited about getting a degree
because no one will be able to take my
education away from me.
OUR IMPACT
88%
of Meritus Scholars
graduate from college,
compared to just
26%
of low-income
students nationally.
100%
of current
Meritus Scholars report
turning to Meritus for
more than financial aid.