Due to the rising cost of higher education, attending a university or even community college can be beyond the financial reach of high school graduates. A $500 scholarship, which can cover a semester's worth of books, might mean the difference between attending college or having the dream deferred or denied.
Thanks to the generosity of civic organizations, groups and individuals who present awards totaling more than $80,000 each June, many Carlsbad Unified graduates, some of whom are the first in their family to pursue higher education, are pointed toward a bright future.
Bradshaw-Hammond Scholarship:
The citizenship trophy and monetary scholarships given annually since 1983 by Elsie Gastelum Zalinski and her friend, Donna Smith, turned two heartbreaking tragedies into a positive action. In separate car accidents in 1982, a drunk driver killed Elsie's sister, Evangeline Bradshaw, and her two young children. Another drunk driver killed Donna's fianc?, Tom Hammond. Both Evangeline and Tom were 32 years old, active at CHS, beloved by many, and working in education. “I wanted to keep Evangeline's memory alive,” Elsie explained. Donna often travels from Sacramento so the two can jointly present the award. “We always talk about the dangers of drinking and driving,” Elsie said.
Pahl Family Music Scholarship:
In 1963, Tad Pahl created a scholarship for a student selected by CHS staff for interest and skill in music. A few years later, Tad's son Bruce won the award. Bruce continues the Pahl Family Music Scholarship to this day. He also spearheads the Johnny Stillman Scholarship, in honor of his friend and fellow alumnus who died in a plane crash in 1984. “We like the scholarship to go to someone as well iked as Johnny was. Presenting the trophy always gives me a chance to bring him to mind,” Bruce Pahl said.
Fiesta Scholarships:
In 2003, the Fiesta del Barrio Carlsbad Association began helping Carlsbad Village Academy (CVA) students attend college, primarily at MiraCosta and Palomar. Board member Ofie Escobedo relates, “It's great to see kids who experienced difficulties in high school go to college. If students remain in school, they can reapply the next year for a second scholarship.”
Currently, the Association annually awards one $1,000 CVA and one $1,000 CHS scholarship.
Demian Martin Scholarship:
When 1988 CHS alumnus Scott Beith learned of the scholarship program in 2009, he realized it would be a perfect way to memorialize classmate Demian Martin, who died in a motorcycle accident at age 34 in 2004. “I'd been considering various ways to remember him. Going back to his Carlsbad roots seemed appropriate,” Scott said. “Demian reached many people and impacted their lives in a valuable way. Through this scholarship, I am able to extend his touch on others and create something positive from that tragic event.”
Chana Mannen, executive director of The Don Diego Fund, relates, “After receiving a $5,000 scholarship in 2009, Arianna Lasche wrote to say she was doing well at school, enjoying her new life and very appreciative. Knowing a recipient is working toward a great future is a priceless reward.”
If you would like to make an investment that pays dividends for a recipient, the community and yourself, please contact
[email protected].
Thanks to the generosity of civic organizations, groups and individuals who present awards totaling more than $80,000 each June, many Carlsbad Unified graduates, some of whom are the first in their family to pursue higher education, are pointed toward a bright future.
Bradshaw-Hammond Scholarship:
The citizenship trophy and monetary scholarships given annually since 1983 by Elsie Gastelum Zalinski and her friend, Donna Smith, turned two heartbreaking tragedies into a positive action. In separate car accidents in 1982, a drunk driver killed Elsie's sister, Evangeline Bradshaw, and her two young children. Another drunk driver killed Donna's fianc?, Tom Hammond. Both Evangeline and Tom were 32 years old, active at CHS, beloved by many, and working in education. “I wanted to keep Evangeline's memory alive,” Elsie explained. Donna often travels from Sacramento so the two can jointly present the award. “We always talk about the dangers of drinking and driving,” Elsie said.
Pahl Family Music Scholarship:
In 1963, Tad Pahl created a scholarship for a student selected by CHS staff for interest and skill in music. A few years later, Tad's son Bruce won the award. Bruce continues the Pahl Family Music Scholarship to this day. He also spearheads the Johnny Stillman Scholarship, in honor of his friend and fellow alumnus who died in a plane crash in 1984. “We like the scholarship to go to someone as well iked as Johnny was. Presenting the trophy always gives me a chance to bring him to mind,” Bruce Pahl said.
Fiesta Scholarships:
In 2003, the Fiesta del Barrio Carlsbad Association began helping Carlsbad Village Academy (CVA) students attend college, primarily at MiraCosta and Palomar. Board member Ofie Escobedo relates, “It's great to see kids who experienced difficulties in high school go to college. If students remain in school, they can reapply the next year for a second scholarship.”
Currently, the Association annually awards one $1,000 CVA and one $1,000 CHS scholarship.
Demian Martin Scholarship:
When 1988 CHS alumnus Scott Beith learned of the scholarship program in 2009, he realized it would be a perfect way to memorialize classmate Demian Martin, who died in a motorcycle accident at age 34 in 2004. “I'd been considering various ways to remember him. Going back to his Carlsbad roots seemed appropriate,” Scott said. “Demian reached many people and impacted their lives in a valuable way. Through this scholarship, I am able to extend his touch on others and create something positive from that tragic event.”
Chana Mannen, executive director of The Don Diego Fund, relates, “After receiving a $5,000 scholarship in 2009, Arianna Lasche wrote to say she was doing well at school, enjoying her new life and very appreciative. Knowing a recipient is working toward a great future is a priceless reward.”
If you would like to make an investment that pays dividends for a recipient, the community and yourself, please contact
[email protected].