Two Breakthrough SJC seniors, their parents, and Director Lorena Martinez attended a special SJC Rotary meeting last week. At this meeting, the SJC Rotary gave a total of $7,000 in scholarships to several local high school students, including two of our seniors. This is the first time Breakthrough SJC students have been awarded scholarships from the SJC Rotary and we are very pleased to have this opportunity. St. Margaret’s student Jassmin Del Rio and Capistrano Valley High School student Brian Salgado each received $1,500 scholarships which will be used to help fund their college education.

Both students gave speeches highlighting their experiences as first generation college students and why going to college is important to them.  In his speech, Brian thanked the Rotary members and said, “I am really glad I was chosen and that Rotary believes in me.” He also announced that he will be attending the University of California, Santa Barbara in the fall to study either Spanish or Journalism. Jassmin also displayed her gratitude saying, “As a first generation college student, it’s great to see that I not only have the support of my family and the Breakthrough community but the support of the entire San Juan community.” Jassmin in unsure of her college decision but will either attend the University of Southern California, Claremont McKenna College, or Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Rotary president Dave Adams was happy to award the scholarship to Breakthrough SJC students saying, “The San Juan Capistrano Rotary has long been impressed with the Breakthrough San Juan Capistrano program and St. Margaret’s commitment to the entire community by hosting this program. We truly appreciate that the Breakthrough program is committed to match our motto of ‘Service Above Self’ and are thrilled to be associated with them.” We would like to give a special thank you to Lorinda Sloss, Roberto Casareto, and Dave Adams of the SJC Rotary for taking the lead on organizing these scholarships for Breakthrough SJC students. We appreciate their dedication to education in the San Juan Capistrano community and hope to continue our partnership.

BREAKTHROUGH  HELPS  UNDERREPRESENTED  STUDENTS  IN  HIGHER  EDUCATION

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