Scholarship Recipients 2024
"It is very rewarding. I don't think there is a day that I get up that I don't look forward to seeing the children. You can forget all of your problems in that classroom because you have twenty wonderful little faces there."
- Barbara J. Hughes
Azul Alpizar-Velasquez
Azul is attending Loyola Marymount University majoring in Computer Engineering
My academic and career goals were fueled when in my junior year, I was enrolled in my first engineering course, Digital Electronics. I intend to deepen my education in the evolving world of technology by actively engaging myself inside and outside the classroom. I wish to pursue a career in computer engineering and with academic teaching, I can develop a strong foundation in this subject and stay current with rapid technological advances. With a passion for continuous learning, I’m excited to begin my unique academic path, exploring the exceptional programs available at Loyola Marymount University.
I will always cherish the time I spent in Mrs. Hughes’ fourth-grade class. Mrs. Hughes was the first ever teacher who held me accountable for my schoolwork and shifted my perspective on education and my own abilities. Mrs. Hughes instilled in me a belief that I could achieve far more than I ever imagined, inspiring me to pursue further studies beyond high school.
In elementary school, many teachers had spelling tests that were meant to encourage students’ ability to recall words, but Mrs. Hughes took a different approach by introducing vocabulary tests. When I looked over the four words we had to learn for the test, I realized this was going to be a challenge for me as I struggled to grasp the definitions of the words assigned. I was unable to ask for help at home because my household spoke another language therefore, the first time I took one of the vocabulary tests, I didn’t do my best on it. Whenever you had a low grade on your schoolwork, your parents had to sign it to confirm they had seen the grade. As an ashamed fourth-grader, I tried to delay getting that signature, but Mrs. Hughes noticed that and intervened with patience and understanding. One day, she had called me over to her desk as everyone was neatly lining up outside to have a private conversation between us two. She let me know that she was aware that I had still not turned in my signed test and being able to read the look on my sheepish face, Mrs. Hughes patiently guided me through each word, imparting valuable techniques and strategies until I grasped their meanings with confidence.
I struggled in the beginning, but Mrs. Hughes saw that and made sure I wouldn’t be left behind stranded. Her unwavering support didn't end there. Mrs. Hughes taught me the importance of accountability and persistence in the face of challenges. Through her encouragement and personalized guidance, I not only improved academically but also gained a newfound belief in my abilities. I was able to become an overall better student after taking her class and I have never forgotten about her impact on me.
Later that same year, Mrs. Hughes presented me with a certificate of achievement for dual-speaking students. It stated that it was meant for students who demonstrated a clear understanding of English and who came from a non-English speaking background. I was so overwhelmed with happiness, it affirmed the value of my unique experiences and the effort I had invested in mastering English. I couldn’t have asked for someone other than Mrs. Hughes to give me this certificate as she is the one who made it possible for me. I am forever grateful for her influence and will carry the lessons she imparted with me throughout my life.
Shayan Butt
Shayan is attending UC Berkley and majoring in Neuroscience
I’ve been motivated to work harder and have gotten straight A’s, which has been one of the best feelings for me. I hope to continue that in my further studies. I want to explore the field of neuroscience and psychology and one day figure out a cure for Alzheimer’s and study anxiety and motivation. One of the biggest things I fear is forgetting the little moments in my day that shaped me into the person I am today, and how motivation can play a key part in being the firecracker in a person’s day. Having a six-figure job would also allow me to donate to the needy, and I would like to help out those who go hungry by donating to Save the Children.
I was one of the few students who had Mrs. Hughes in 3rd grade when she taught a 3rd/4th grade combo class. She would be very sweet and we would joke around, but she also motivated us and wanted us to do our best with all that we had. I have three distinct memories; one was when we had a biography project and I had Benjamin Franklin. We had to try to dress up like our person, and I remember being upset because I forgot the glasses I wanted to wear at home. However, she let me use some that she had for the presentation which cheered me up, and I remember getting an A+. Another memory was us 3rd graders having a competition with our times tables. We would start at 1, and have to reach 12 and decorate our little car cutout. Every time we passed, we’d move up to the next stage, and this is where my love of mental math started. One of my friends and I would go back and forth, and eventually we reached the top together. I don’t know if I would’ve pursued math as much in high school without that experience. Lastly, we had state testing, and many of us including me were anxious about it, not knowing how difficult it would be. Mrs. Hughes bought gum for every single one of us, even though the administrators said we weren’t supposed to have any, and I remember feeling relaxed and focused during the test alongside the other students. I’ll always remember that watermelon-flavored gum Mrs. Hughes gave us..
Davon Dorsey
Davon is attending El Camino College majoring in Business Management
My college plans are to get a business degree and an accounting degree, which will help buy my grandma the house that she deserves. My plans on paying for education are hopefully my scholarships or federal grants, As we have little resources as I have another sibling. My career goals are to be impactful and change the world of business. I plan on giving back to the community that I left. Trying to help my cousins thrive, start generational wealth that I didn’t have, and live a lastly legacy that I was one or at least a beacon of hope. That will finally end the curse on my family and always have a relationship with god. Being one of the first generation of college students is a lot of pressure. I gave my life to God, trying to help everybody in need. My plan for college is to get
a degree and try my best to gain generational wealth. Give my family houses, trying to help bring back to my community the golden age. My goal in college is to make an impact that will live on for ages. My family has gone through a lot through the years, having many accidents. How was this to help my family and my people hope I will show them there is a way out of poverty and can be through education that helps build a better
community. In conclusion, I plan on helping my community into a better place, taking care of my family, and starting generational wealth.
Mariam Elmourabit
Mariam is attending El Camino College majoring in Biomedical Engineering
Ma
Growing up I had a passion for mixing things. It started with soaps in my bathroom and then to actual ingredients. I had a passion for skincare products and enjoyed exploring plants like aloe vera to find ways to upgrade my skincare routine naturally. At the same time I started learning more about biology and with a type 1 diabetic father I developed
the goal of a career path that revolves around creating medicine and with a strong emphasis on finding diabetic cures. Therefore, my desired career path is becoming a pharmaceutical scientist as I don't believe that any illness is incurable but rather we just haven’t explored it yet. I aspire to follow a career path where I can advance medical research and discover cures.
As college tuition increases I plan on using scholarships I get to cover the expenses that aren’t part of my financial aid package. This scholarship will help remove a financial burden and worry that my family would have in terms of covering any extra expenses that we wouldn’t have expected.
Kimiko Evans
Kimiko is attending Bowie State University majoring in Psychology
From a very young age, without any future plans or care in the world, I knew that whatever I did, I wanted to help people. I was always the child volunteering to help or explain the math problem to my seat partner and help them figure it out. I loved being able to provide my services and offer help in any way I could. For me the love for psychology started in the 7th grade, pretty early on. As silly as it may sound, it started with a TV show, Criminal Minds. A show going into depth about the Behavior Analyst Unit of the FBI. A unit in which they would solve crimes, based on psychological profiles. I was hooked, all 13 seasons in 7 months, every ounce of free time went into finishing that show. This show led me to develop a love for anything and everything psychology. The original goal was to become a criminal psychologist, just like the people I have seen on the show. However, after taking the psychology course at North High, I quickly began to dive into the idea of a psychiatrist. It must be more practical, safer, and as much as I hate to accept it, it is much more realistic. I choose this career path as a way to help those around me, and follow my love and continue my passion for psychology.
Alyssa Iida
Alyssa is attending UCLA majoring in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology
In Eighth grade Biology class I participated in a Genetic Counseling simulation in which I analyzed prenatal DNA and worked with parents to help prepare them on how to care for their child. And ever since then my passion towards Genetics and Molecular Biology has only grown over the years. From taking all the Biology classes at my high school to attending a National Student Leadership Conference at UC Berkeley studying Biotech, I have strived to expose myself to the world of Genetics and it has only made me grow more eager to be in labs and research facilities. Entering my freshman year in college I will be majoring in Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology in hopes of graduating with my Bachelor’s Degree which will then set me up to attend Graduate school for a Master’s Degree. Throughout my lifetime I have cycled through wanting to enter different career fields, yet a Geneticist has by far stayed the longest. I believe that helping people in some way, shape, or form, is very important to me and as a Geneticist I hope to help find cures and answers for people of all ages from prenatal to adults. Genetics is a field that is currently flourishing in its new research and technology and I am both dedicated and excited to be a part of something that can bring relief and direction to people who are in medical need.
Jayden Ikeda
Jayden is attending Loyola University Chicago majoring in Biology
As an aspiring student of the medical field, I hope to major in Biology on the pre-med track and eventually pursue a medical-related career such as a Physician Assistant, Occupational Therapist, or even potentially a career in cancer research. Ever since I was young, I have always been fascinated with medicine and have had a strong passion for helping and caring for others in any way possible. Over time, I have been able to continue to foster this passion by being a hospital volunteer and participating in experiences where I have seen how an act of kindness–whether big or small–can go a long way. Additionally, after witnessing multiple of my family members and dear friends endure the implications of cancer, I have further been drawn to helping others in any way I can and making an impact in advancing the field of medicine.
Melina Padilla
Melina is attending University Of California Irvine majoring in Public Health/Nursing
I love science and medicine and have been greatly fond of it ever since middle school. When I started high school, I knew I wanted to be a nurse of some kind, therefore I took every single science class I could to benefit me on my journey. Now as a senior, for the next chapter of my life, I am proud to dedicate my time to studying nursing. My goal is to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist.
I hope to achieve this by either earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at a 4-year college or taking my nursing prerequisites at a junior college before transferring to a 4-year college to receive my
Bachelor of Science in Nursing there. Throughout these four years, I will work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at my local hospital. After this, I can take the National Council Licensure Examination to become and work as a registered nurse. Then, to gain clinical experience, I will work in the intensive care units (ICUs), emergency centers, and medical-surgical units of hospitals for about 1-3 years. This will lead me to enroll in a graduate nurse anesthesia program, getting a degree in either Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP). Finally, I will pass the National Certification Exam by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists. After all this, I will be able to proudly say that I am a certified registered nurse anesthetist!
Currently, I am practicing and enforcing different study methods to help me during college and they are going wonderfully! I know with my tenacity and wit that my dreams are possible!
Apart from stressing to be fast with my multiplication quiz worksheets, I remember Mrs. Hughes's class being my favorite year of elementary. Mrs. Hughes was and always will be one of the most graceful people I know. She was extremely patient with our class and would always stay after to answer any questions I had. Her atmosphere created an environment in which I could thrive and be comfortable happily.
One of my fondest memories in her class was her gifting us these card games. Each student either got “Pass The Ugly Sweater” or “Happy Families” (A personal favorite!) I distinctly remember her gifting me both games and I could not have been happier. I still have the card boxes of both with some missing cards, however, I could never toss them out. She also loved to group us up into teams for activities and I’m so glad she did because I made two long-lasting friendships from that class because of her.
One project that set me on my educational-driven path was our California mission project. This project, which I still frequently check from time to time, was to make a packet/book of research on our selected mission. I remember initially receiving Mrs. Hughes's favorite mission that I unfortunately cannot remember the name of (Might have been San Buenaventura or San Juan Bautista, but I am unsure.), but then swapping with a classmate for Mission Santa Cruz because my brother’s name is Cruz! Anyhow, I ended up visiting this Mission and was immediately drawn to everything. I wanted to learn more about how the mission formed and the history behind it. This trip and project truly sparked my interest in learning without fear and I will always be eternally grateful to Mrs. Hughes for that.
Taylor Sugimoto
Taylor is attending El Camino College majoring in Biology
Some of my academic goals are to graduate with honors from high school and attend a four-year university or attend a community college and then transfer to a four-year university. I will be majoring in biology or public health. During my time in college, I plan on getting a job to help support myself and pay off my student debt. I will also be studying for the MCAT and volunteering at a local hospital so I can build up my application for medical school. After finishing my bachelor's degree, I plan on attending medical school to become a doctor. The medical field is extremely wide so I am not set on a specific medical profession yet. However, I have a few favorites I enjoyed learning about in my anatomy classes, like dermatology, optometry, epidemiology, psychiatry, and gynecology.
Ervin Vu
Ervin is attending UCLA majoring in Nursing
I have always been interested in a healthcare profession. My interest stemmed first from when my dad and I were visiting my uncle in the hospital as he battled cancer. Seeing the staff work tirelessly with smiles on their faces to make my uncle as comfortable as possible, even as they struggled with their own exhaustion, greatly inspired me. As a result of this, I’ve applied my interest to the field, getting involved in opportunities to volunteer in places like the hospital to get hands-on experience.
My primary hope is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing then working as a registered nurse for a while to gain experience. Eventually, I want to continue my education to obtain a master’s and work my way up to the critical care unit. An alternate pathway that I have in the back of my mind is getting a degree in biology or biochem and getting into the healthcare field from there as a physician. But for the most part, being a nurse is the ultimate dream.
Scholarship Recipients 2023
Scholarship Recipients 2022
Scholarship Recipients 2021
