For Immediate Release: May 29, 2025

Ventura, Calif.—The Ventura College Foundation distributed a record $940,854 in scholarships to students during its 36th
Annual Scholarship Awards ceremony held May 17 at the Ventura College Sportsplex Field.

The foundation presented 435 scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year, marking the highest distribution amount in the
organization’s more than 40-year history.

Of the total awarded, $885,800 went toward 413 general scholarships and $55,054 supported 22 paramedic and other career
scholarships. The funds benefited 269 student scholarship recipients, many receiving multiple awards.

“The cost of college is a barrier to many who want to receive an education that will lead to well-paying and rewarding
careers,” said Nicole Kreutz, chair of the Ventura College Foundation board of directors. “Scholarships can be a huge help.
Many of our students face incredible adversity yet still excel and stay focused on their education goals. Everyone can
learn and be inspired by them.”

Kamea Kellner, president of the Associated Students of Ventura College (ASVC), received the Academic Senate and the
Westside scholarships. Kellner is a first-generation college student majoring in Business Administration. She plans to
transfer to a four-year university in Fall 2026.

“Receiving a scholarship means so much to me. As a student from a low-income family, it has always been challenging to
solely focus on my studies. I’ve needed to provide not only for myself but my family as well,” says Kellner. “The honor of
receiving a scholarship helps alleviate that worry, and gives me some peace of mind on the financial side, affording more
time to pursue my educational career.”

Continuing students receive an average of $2,100 in scholarships while students transferring to four-year universities
receive an average of $2,480. At a minimum, each student receives a $1,000 scholarship.

Jose Garcia is a Marine veteran. His career goal is to work within Ventura County’s Human Services Agency Farmworker
Resource Program. “Going back to school after the military has been such an unexpected turn in my life,” says Garcia. “I
was never the type of student to care for school or grades but now that has all changed. With a welcoming community and
thoughtful professors, I am now a focused student with ambitions of earning my master’s degree.”

Garcia received the Kada Family and the Lucia Tebbe Memorial Phoenix scholarships. Phoenix scholarships are for those
students who have renewed their pursuit of a college education after time away.

Each year, the foundation’s Scholarship Review Committee evaluates applications following a specific scoring scale. Those
who meet all the application requirements and have the highest scores receive scholarships.

The Ventura College Foundation is grateful for the continuing support of scholarship event sponsors. They include AMR Gold
Coast, Edison International, Searle Creative, Composition Wealth, Ventura Music Festival L&T Catering, Trinity Wheeler
Photography, Montecito Bank & Trust, Feddersen & Company, LLP, LetzChat, Luners Production Services and Ed Summers.

Scholarship applications for the next academic year will be accepted beginning in the fall. For more about the Ventura
College Foundation and donation opportunities, go to https://venturacollegefoundation.org.

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Ventura College Foundation

Established in 1983, the Ventura College Foundation transforms students’ lives through education by providing innovative
and vital resources and financial support. The Foundation collaborates with Ventura College to enhance human potential,
civic engagement, careers, and academic success of students enabling their effective impact and legacy on the college,
local workforce, and our community. The Foundation also hosts the Ventura College Foundation Marketplace; an outdoor
shopping experience held every weekend on the Ventura College campus. For more information, contact Chloe Boswell-Dondorf
at (805) 289-6418 or cboswelldondorf@vcccd.edu or visit www.VenturaCollegeFoundation.org.

On Tuesday, May 13th, FUSD announced staff and student of the year awards. Staff and students are nominated by FUSD staff, and nominations are reviewed and selected by the Superintendent and her executive cabinet members. Staff are recognized for their commitment to students, contribution to creating a positive and collaborative culture, and leadership and involvement in the school community. Students from Sierra High School and Fillmore High School are nominated by staff members and are selected based on academic achievement, participation in school activities, and leadership qualities.

The winners are:
Administrator of the Year: Beverly Garnica, Principal for Rio Vista School
Certificated Staff Member of the Year: Ashley McClain, Science/AVID Teacher at Fillmore Middle School
Classified Staff Member of the Year: Martha Hope, Attendance Clerk, San Cayetano School
Fillmore High School Student of the Year: Presley McLain
Sierra High School Student of the Year: Lesly Izarraraz