Myra Long Scholarship Recipients

At the June 10, 2023, luncheon you will have the pleasure of meeting six remarkable senior high school girls who are recipients of this year’s Myra Long Scholarships. You will hear of the accomplishments, dedication, and passion of the following young women:

• Emily Aragon is a former Tech Trekker. She plans to attend a UC college to obtain a STEM degree. In a referral letter Mary Isaac, CA Tech Trek advisor, writes, “Emily is an inspiring coach to younger girls. She can explain difficult concepts in a way they can understand.” She has volunteered in the Whittier Volunteen Program and, as a result, was hired as a Recreational Specialist in 2021.

• Hannah Estrada has an ultimate goal of opening her own nurse practitioner’s office. She is greatly influenced by her grandfather, a kind man who was a CNA. One of her AP teachers calls Emily “a source of positivity wherever she goes. She brings out the best in people.” She is a member of Cal High’s Health Academy. Hannah plans to attend Biola.

• Tonantzi Gonzalez plans to attend USC majoring in Business Administration with the ultimate goal of attending law school. She aims to be a lawyer who will serve the underprivileged. Her math teacher has said, “In 20 years of teaching, she stands out above the rest.” She has been president of numerous clubs, swims on varsity water polo and has over 100 hours of community service.

• Irma Grajeda is another former Tech Trekker. Of that experience, she has said, “It has marked a meaningful footprint in my life.” She plans on attending UC San Diego, majoring in psychology, with the goal of becoming a marriage and family therapist. She has had many academic awards, is a member of numerous clubs, has been active in sports (which she calls therapeutic) and volunteers at her church.

• Sara Munoz plans to attend UC Irvine or UCLA with a major in psychology. Her field of interest has been influenced by the recent passing of her mother and years before that by a stint at the Sorenson Library helping children with ADHD and dyslexia. Sara says, “I took what was wrong in my life to help people find value in theirs.” She has participated in sports and arranged community clothing drives to benefit lower-income students.

• Melanie Saavedra will study environmental engineering with an emphasis on pollution and climate at UC Berkeley. At Cal High she participated in Model United Nations and the Puente Club where she has won statewide recognition all the while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Melanie says these activities have helped her develop leadership, communication and collaboration skills. Her AP government teacher says,” She is truly a superb, yet humble, campus leader.”

There you have it!  These wonderfully enthusiastic and accomplished young people are a credit to their families and our community. It is a privilege to help them on their academic journey.  Come meet them on Saturday, June 10.

Carole Restovich, Scholarship Chair