The Hemet Education Foundation (HEF) once again stepped up to support graduating seniors by awarding scholarships to deserving students across multiple schools. The foundation awarded a $5,000 scholarship to one student from each of the comprehensive schools in the Hemet Unified School District. This year’s recipients were Katelynne Ray, Western Center Academy; Tyler Trout, Hemet High School; Jesse Castaneda, Tahquitz High School; Genesis Andrade, Hamilton High School; and Andrew Bedolla, West Valley High School. In addition, HEF granted a $500 scholarship to one student from each of the alternative high schools: Daniel Contreras from Alessandro High School and Pan Sorrell from the Academy of Innovation. Each year, the foundation provides $26,000 in scholarships to qualifying students, recognizing academic achievement, financial need, and good citizenship, helping these students pursue their higher education goals despite financial hardships.
Katelynne Ray, a Western Center Academy graduate, excelled academically and was deeply involved in ASB leadership, Link Crew, and extensive community service. With a passion for education and student engagement, Katelynne plans to attend George Washington University, majoring in History and Social Studies, with the goal of becoming a high school history teacher and eventually working as an ASB advisor.
Tyler Trout is a student-athlete from Hemet High School, who successfully balanced AP coursework and sports. He was actively involved in ASB, athletics and Advanced Choir, and volunteered regularly at the Ramona Animal Shelter. Tyler played football, golf, and baseball, developing discipline and teamwork through competition. With aspirations of becoming a sports agent, athletic trainer, or P.E. teacher, he plans to pursue a degree in kinesiology or sports management at Cal State San Marcos.
Jesse Castaneda, a recent Tahquitz High School graduate, balanced academics, athletics, and a part-time job to support his family. Both an athlete and leader, Jesse served as captain of the varsity basketball and track teams and was secretary of the Career and Technical Student Organization. His work ethic brough him such honors as English Student of the Year and the Seal of Biliteracy. He plans to pursue Business Administration in college and has applied to UCLA and UC Berkeley, hoping for a career in finance and entrepreneurship.
Genesis Marie Andrade, a graduate of Hamilton High School, excelled in academics, leadership, and athletics throughout her four years. She served as a varsity softball and basketball captain and a Peer Mentor and was on the Gold Honor Roll for four years. Her diverse skills in English, art, public speaking, and leadership reflect her many talents and areas of interest. With a focus on law and criminal justice, she plans to attend La Verne or Northern Arizona University to pursue a career as a lawyer or judge.
Andrew Bedolla, a graduate of West Valley High School, was actively involved in various extracurricular activities throughout his high school career, including AVID, Link Crew, Math Club. With a deep fascination with medical imaging and its role in diagnosing and treating patients, he plans to pursue a career as a radiologist, combining his passion for science with his commitment to service and his desire to help others. He hopes to attendLa Sierra University, UCLA, or UC Riverside.
Daniel Contreras isa recent graduate from Alessandro High School. Inspired by family members in the medical field, he enjoys helping others and hopes to become a registered nurse. At Alessandro, he participated in the Career and Technical Education program for First Responders, further developing his skills and commitment to service. He has shown leadership as a Student Leadership Team member, a Mayor Mentee and student representative to the Governing Board. He plans to attend Mt. San Jacinto College before transferring to Loma Linda University to major in nursing or another area of medicine.
Pan Sorrell attended the Academy of Innovation in Hemet where she developed an interest in science and medicine. While at AOI, she was enrolled in a dual enrollment program at Mt. San Jacinto College and will eventually transfer to a four-year university to pursue a degree in health sciences or biology, with the goal of becoming a neurosurgeon. Her experience in the Medical Innovation Research & Entrepreneurship program reinforced her commitment to medicine and mentorship. In the future, she plans to establish a nonprofit organization that provides internships for aspiring physicians and delivers free healthcare to underserved communities. The Hemet Education Foundation, founded in 1978, has been dedicated to supporting students in the Hemet Unified School District in their pursuit of higher education for decades. Through its generous scholarships, the foundation continues to invest in future leaders, innovators, and changemakers, recognizing their achievements in academics, athletics, leadership, and community service. To learn more about the foundation, go to HemetEducationFoundation.com.
