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.

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Hamilton High School’s Angie Delgado says, “I am devoted to my chosen field of study.  I have always found an interest in Kinesiology and am fascinated by the idea of helping athletes with their athletic journey.”  Angie will be the first in her family to attend college, a point of immense pride for her and her family.  Angie is hoping to attend Cal State San Marcos or Mt. San Antonio College, focusing on movement anatomy or exercise physiology.

Kayla Benson from Hemet High School says that after she acquires her college degree in Civil Engineering, “I want to serve my community and help those who struggle.  I’ve been inspired by the needs of the people I see every day who are less fortunate and need somewhere to call their own.  Education is power, and the more I know the more I can do good for others.”   Kayla plans to attend either Brigham Young University Provo or BYU Idaho in the fall.

Although mathematics isn’t every student’s favorite subject, Ubaldo Puente of Tahquitz High School plans to further his education at the University of Utah where he will work towards a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and eventually earn his teaching credential.  “I want my future students to view the subject in a new light, the way my third grade teacher showed my peers and me a new perspective on the misunderstood subject.”  Dr. Emily Shaw, Hemet Unified School District’s Director of Wellness and Community Outreach, says, “Ubaldo is the all-around package: brains, character, high morals and strong leadership.”

Western Center Academy graduating senior Logan Fogle says, “For as long as I can remember, I have had a love for the outdoors and an appreciation for the natural world’s complexity and simplicity.  I find a peace and relaxation in nature.  I want to pursue a career in nature, working for the US Forest Service as a Forester.  My office will be among the trees, my water cooler will be a cool mountain stream.”  Logan plans to attend Cal Poly Humboldt University and major in Forestry.  Western Center AP English teacher Tonya Brady says that Logan will bring “a focused dedication to college where no class will intimidate him.  He is a quality person.” 

Sports Medicine has become a profound part of Nathalie Garcia’s life. She has a passion for helping athletes and making a meaningful impact.  She developed that passion at West Valley High School, “working at my school’s clinic with 8 other selected peers and working and interacting with individuals outside of school.  Sports medicine is more than a career to me, it’s an emotional and heartwarming journey that stirs my soul.” Her two years in West Valley’s CTC Sports Medicine class has had quite an impact on this young lady.  Nathalie has her eyes set on attending Cal State San Marcos with a major in Kinesiology and the ultimate goal of becoming a physical therapist. 

“Whether grappling with the complexities of mathematics or immersing myself in literature, my thirst for understanding remains insatiable, propelling me towards continual growth.”  These are the words of Eugene Hernandez, HEF scholarship award winner from The Academy of Innovation.  Eugene says that with a “deep-seated passion for education and a genuine desire to inspire and empower others, I aspire to pursue a career in teaching.”  His plans are to first acquire an AA degree from MSJC then transfer to a university to earn his bachelor’s degree and eventually his teaching credential. 

Since 1978, the Hemet Education Foundation has been supporting schools sites and students in the Hemet Unified School District with financial donations and academic scholarships.  Over the past 15 years, the Foundation has donated over $104,000 to the District’s schools for much-needed supplies and resources.  Additionally, since 2014, the Hemet Education Foundation has awarded over $200,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors in the district — $500 to qualifying seniors at both of our alternative high schools, and $5000 to qualifying seniors at each of our five comprehensive high schools.  For more information about the Hemet Education Foundation, you can access their website at hemeteducationfoundation.com.

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Six local Hemet Unified School District students received the good news at their recent senior awards ceremonies that they had been awarded the Hemet Education Foundation Scholarship for their school’s graduating class. The Hemet Education Foundation awards a $5000 scholarship to one student from each of the comprehensive high schools and a $500 scholarship to a qualifying student at the alternative high schools. This year’s $5000 scholarship recipients are Jonathon Sanchez, West Valley HS; Aneth Castaneda, Hemet High School; Kai Ware, Tahquitz High School; Christopher Huerta, Western Center Academy, and Janeth Culviner, Hamilton High School. Starr Iwaszewski from Academy of Innovation received a $500 scholarship.

The Hemet Education Foundation awards these scholarships to students who truly desire a college education, who are often overlooked for other scholarships and financial awards, whose parents must pay for their education, and who has good citizenship and a GPA between 3.0 and 3.9. Each comprehensive high school provides up to three candidates for consideration and the Hemet Education Foundation Board then makes the selection. A scholarship committee, principals, or counselors make the selection at the alternative schools.

West Valley High School graduate Jonathon Sanchez says he “wants to pursue my dreams of being a forensic psychologist and being persistent and determined will help me achieve those dreams.” He is hoping to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a major in psychology or criminology.

Aneth Castaneda, a recent graduate of Hemet High School, has been accepted to Cal State San Marcos for the fall semester and plans to major in visual arts, eventually becoming a professional photographer. “I have a passion for becoming a photographer. I find photography beautiful and aesthetic,” Castaneda explains.

With a love of fashion and new clothing styles, Tahquitz High Schools’ Kai Ware has his eyes on a major in Fashion Design. He hopes to attend either UC Davis or Cal State Long Beach and is “more than excited to start this new chapter and take on my future and career.”

Hoping for acceptance to UC San Diego, UCLA or UC Davis, Christopher Huerta of the Western Center Academy plans to major in neurobiology or biochemistry with a projected career path in neurology or neurosurgery. “I’m ready and eager to show the world the individual I’ve become and all the skills that I can bring to the table. My career path is going to be long and demanding, but I’m ready to face each challenge and obstacle one step at a time,” Huerta says.

Hamilton High School graduate Janeth Culviner plans to pursue a degree in business at San Diego State University in the fall. “After college, I would like to join a successful business to support my parents and family,” Culviner explains. “I do intend to give the same effort and dedication once I go to college, so I can continue my history of success.”

Starr Iwasqewski says that “this world needs more people to help fight for justice, and the idea that I can help make this world even the tiniest bit safer is what keeps pushing me to my goals.” The recent graduate of the Academy of Innovation plans to further her education by attending MSJC to earn her associate degree in Administration of Justice before transferring to UC Irvine to earn her bachelor’s and eventually master’s degree in the same field. Her goal is to be accepted to the FBI academy in Stafford County, Virginia.

The Hemet Education Foundation has been supporting schools and students in the Hemet Unified School District since the 1970s. Funds for senior scholarships and other financial contributions to school sites are generated by the foundation’s yearly “Bucks-a-Month” payroll deduction fundraising effort. They are also a Silver Sponsor for the Hemet San Jacinto Student of the Month program. For more information about the Hemet Education Foundation or to make a donation, visit their website at https://hemeteducationfoundation.weebly.com.

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