The Santa Ynez Valley Foundation has awarded $85,000 in college scholarships to 50 local students, marking its largest annual investment to date in the future of the Valley’s youth.
This year’s awards include scholarships for 30 graduating high school seniors, 27 from Santa Ynez Valley Union High School and three from Dunn School, recognized for academic achievement, personal growth, involvements, and big dreams. The Foundation also renewed scholarships for 20 college sophomores, continuing support that began when they were high school seniors.
“A scholarship is more than financial aid — it’s a vote of confidence,” said Esther Jacobsen Bates, executive director of the SYV Foundation. “It tells a student their hard work, dreams, and potential are worth the investment.”
One student shared, “At the scholarship award night, I was overwhelmed by a strong sense of community here in the Valley.” Another recipient added, “Thank you for your belief in my potential and for helping me achieve my goals.”
This year’s graduating high school senior scholarship recipients are Jesse Arango, Jadon Bailey, Samantha Barboza, Eric Brians, Jazmin Briceno, Addison Bunke, Nataly Davalos, Jackson Elliott, Saira Fernandez, Aaron Figueroa, Adrian Garcia, Addison Godfrey, Sadie Godfrey, Adin Kokorowski, Kea Gonzalez-Lishman, Griffin Markee, Mykah Hardy Moniot, Kaitlyn Hicks, Ryder McClurg, Presley Miller, Malia Ortiz, Natalie O’Shaughnessy, Yasmin Ozkan, Tanner Rhodes, Meara Samaan, and Sofia Goretti Tinajero Suarez.
Two students, Kimberly Medina and Chloe Ann Perez, received the Walter L. Hanson Scholarship. Named in honor of Walt Hanson, editor and publisher of the local newspaper from 1929 to 1945, the scholarship recognizes students dedicated to careers rooted in service to others.
The David & Jan Crosby Scholarship celebrates creativity and artistic expression. This year’s recipients, Naomi Ferguson and Alison Willis, were chosen for embodying those values through their passion and commitment to the arts.
These scholarships are made possible through the Foundation’s deep roots in the Santa Ynez Valley and the generosity of local donors. With a longstanding commitment to enhancing the quality of life in the Santa Ynez Valley and Los Alamos, the Foundation has awarded more than $7 million to local nonprofit organizations and over $1 million in scholarships, supporting nearly 400 students in pursuing their college dreams.
To learn more about the Foundation’s scholarship program and community initiatives, visit www.syValleyFoundation.org.
