Benicia Kiwanis Club Awards $15,000 in Scholarships to Benicia Graduating Seniors
BENICIA — The Benicia Kiwanis Club has awarded eleven scholarships totaling $15,000 to graduating seniors of the 2026 class at Benicia High School, and one home-schooled graduate.
While criteria differ across five scholarship categories, successful candidates generally demonstrate meaningful community involvement, strong character, leadership, academic commitment, and activities that align with the Kiwanis mission of service.
Among the major awards presented at the May 19th BHS awards ceremony was the Benicia Key Club Scholarship, awarded to Kelile Djegal. The Fred Everett Memorial Lifetime Achievement Scholarship was presented to Ellen Goncharov, who exemplifies the character that Fred Everett has demonstrated in his 50+ year commitment to both Kiwanis and the Benicia community.
Two students, Vanessa Sandoval and Jordyn Simmons-Anderson, were honored with Recognition Scholarships for their achievements during high school.
In addition, five BHS graduating seniors received Hope of America Awards, which recognize students who have demonstrated academic, community, and potential for future success. Recipients were Rana Abdou, Nathan Sebastian, Laura Muratova, Anika Jadhav, and Ellen Goncharov.
Adacus Anderson, a home-schooled student, received the esteemed Benicia Kiwanis Club Scholarship and a Hope of America Award at a separate June 2nd Kiwanis Club meeting.
The scholarship program reflects the Benicia Kiwanis Club’s longstanding commitment to supporting local youth and encouraging educational success. Through its fundraising efforts and community partnerships, the club continues to invest in the future of Benicia students as they pursue higher education and career goals.
Kiwanis members congratulate all of this year’s recipients and wish the graduating seniors continued success in their future endeavors. The club is proud to recognize a group of students who represent the best of the Benicia community.
Founded in 1926, one hundred years ago, the Benicia Kiwanis Club remains steadfast in its mission of “improving the world, one child and one community at a time.”