MYRA LONG SCHOLARSHIP FUND (MLSF)

  MLSF Announces the 2025 Scholarship Recipients

  High School Scholarship Recipients

 The MLSF High School Scholarships are given out each year to two WUHSD schools on a 2-year rotating basis. This year was Whittier High School’s second year and La Serna High School’s first year. The Committee was so very delighted with our awardees and is anxious to introduce them at our June Branch Meeting. You won’t want to miss meeting and chatting with the following girls.

Julia Mosikian, from La Serna High School, plans to attend CSUL and earn her BA and MA in Sports Psychology. Her counselor stated, “She has shown remarkable resilience and teamwork, continuously motivating those around her with her leadership and sportsmanship. In addition to managing a challenging academic and extracurricular schedule, Julia has shown maturity far beyond her years. She has overcome personal challenges with a positive attitude and has grown from each experience. Julia never gives up and has an incredible desire to make a difference in others’ lives.” Additionally, Julia has shown commitment through her involvement in Girl Scouts for over 12 years as well as her participation in numerous service-oriented clubs.

Jacqueline Benitez, from Whittier High School, will be attending UCLA in the Fall, where she has committed as a pre-Public Health major, after which she will continue to medical school and eventually become an OB/GYN. Volunteering after school in her former 4th-grade teacher’s classroom, she demonstrated a love of learning and the level of commitment necessary to succeed in college and beyond. Jacqueline has served her high school through various clubs and activities, and her community by volunteering with PIH Health in the Ambassador’s Center and the Labor & Deliveries department, serving 100 hours which has had a positive impact, very possibly influencing her career choice.

Kalanie Dominguez, from Whittier High School, will be attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She states that ‘grit’ is both her talent and her skill, which has fueled her to take on challenges and stay the course to pursue long-term goals as a first-generation low-income Hispanic student. Kalanie has stayed active in various sports since elementary school, fueling her passion for health and enhancing her ability to multitask effectively and stay in control. Kalanie has served the community by participating in TAB (Teen Advisory Board) at the Whittier Library, working as a tutor for the Boys & Girls Club of Whittier, and serving as an academic mentor assisting high school students. Kalanie plans on a career in business.

Abbie Maldonado, from Whittier High School, will be attending Whittier College this Fall. Raised in Whittier by a single mother until five, she has witnessed the struggles and sacrifices of working hard to create a better life. Always passionate about sports, soccer has been a major part of Abbie’s life. It has taught her invaluable lessons in teamwork and time management. When a health issue became evident, Abbie’s research led to learning about how health affects the body and the state of mind. The experience shaped her passion for sports nutrition, and she plans to pursue a business degree, eventually an MA in nutrition. Her ultimate goal is to open her own sports nutrition business where she can help athletes fuel their bodies properly and maximize their performance.

EARLYNE CLEMONS NURSING SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

 Peri Navarro has worked as a Nursing Unit Clerk at PIH for seven years. She is attending West Coast University (WCU). “My goals are to finish nursing school with a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and then continue my education to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.” Peri is a single mother.

 Jahira Villasenor has been employed at PIH since 2016.  Since 2022, she has worked under supervision in the emergency department, which she loves. Yahira has CNA (certified nursing assistant) and LVN certificates and is now studying at West Coast University to become a nurse and continue working in the emergency department.

 Jayda Steele is the first in her family to attend college. She has been a CNA at PIH since 2022. Jayda holds an Associate’s Degree in Math and Science. She is using her passion for science and her desire to help others to become a nurse.  This desire was instilled in her by her grandmother, who was a CNA before national certification was required.

 RIO HONDO SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

 Damaris Bucio Sanchez is transferring to Cal State Humboldt to study kinesiology with her ultimate goal of becoming a doctor. She has logged 900 hours with the College Corps and is currently enrolled in Rio Hondo’s Kinesiology-Sports Medicine Program. Despite a number of challenges, which included a short period of homelessness, Damaris has persisted in her educational goals.

Lesley Burgueno Beas will attend Cal State Long Beach this fall to study to become a software engineer. She attended a Women in STEM conference while in junior high and has loved computer science ever since.  Her one Rio Hondo physics teacher commented, “Lesley is especially impressive given that she is a parent who is managing a full STEM course load, as well.”

 Aundria Castro has been accepted at four state colleges. She is a domestic abuse survivor and has a small child.  At Rio Hondo, she has been active in Next Up, the Pathways to Law Program, and Rise Scholars. Her long-term goal is to pursue a career in law and eventually become a judge.  She wants “to be a voice for youth and people who feel that they don’t have a voice.”

 Lorena Juarez will be attending Nebraska Methodist College. An incident during COVID when she worked as a nurse’s aide convinced her that she wanted to become a registered nurse. She has been through numerous challenges including being a DACA student (she now has a Green Card), being abandoned by her father and working as a child in the fields in Sacramento during summers. “My academic journey proves my perseverance.”

Best regards, MLSF Committee

Barbara Gile, Chairperson (909) 374-2771

Kaye Kidwell, Treasurer, Tech Trek Coordinator

Carole Restovich, Secretary

Ann Chambers, Director

Patricia Dudley, Director

Dolores Gonzalez-Hayes, Director

Susan Halliday, Director

Sharon Heck, Director