Kiwanis Club of Benicia announces 2023 High School Scholarships
The Kiwanis Club of Benicia is pleased to announce the recipients of its scholarships for the 2023 graduating class for Benicia High School. The club offers 7-9 scholarships and awards annually to deserving Benicia High School students which this year totaled $16,000. The number of scholarships and awards and their amounts are determined by the Scholarship Committee of the Kiwanis Club of Benicia. This year topped the charts with an astounding 43 applications submitted for review.
Kiwanis is a 501c charity that is a Global community of clubs, members and partners dedicated to improving the lives of children one community/one child at a time. One can find a Kiwanis Club in nearly every city and town in this great country and Kiwanis can be found in every country on the planet. Kiwanis is the parent/sponsoring organization for the Key Club….which here at BHS…has been turned into a highly effective and very active community focused club that has been recognized at a state level for its members, activities and accomplishments. If you are interested in either joining our club, attending a meeting to check us out or would like to donate to our club’s cause please either send an email to kiwanisbenicia@gmail.com or visit our website, kiwanisbenicia.org.
The Scholarships, awards and the recipients are as follows:
The Key Club Scholarship ($4,000),the club’s top scholarship, is always awarded to an outstanding member of the BHS Key Club ( a Kiwanis sponsored organization). We are delighted to present this scholarship to the incredible Miah Chao. Miah is a co-salutatorian for the 2023 graduating class, achieved an impressive 4.50 GPA, served as President of the National Honor Society, and held several officer positions for Key Club at both the local and state level. Miah plans to study Biology at UCLA.
The Fred Everett Lifetime Achievement Scholarship ($3,000) is a scholarship awarded to a student who best exemplifies the character that Fred Everett has demonstrated in his 50 years plus commitment to both Kiwanis and Benicia community. We are pleased to award this to Yuna Bi. Yuna served as Secretary of the Key Club, worked with the Benicia Youth Action Coalition, was elected regional Lt Governor was an incredible fund raising coordinator and worked on the Teens Tackle Tobacco conference. Yuna is planning to study Human Biology at UCLA.
The Kiwanis Club of Benicia Scholarship ($3,000) is awarded to a student that has demonstrated characteristics embodied by Kiwanis…as well as being an overall excellent student. Congratulations to Gabrielle Fernandez. Gabby achieved an impressive 42. GPS, worked hard as Treasurer for Key Club, served on the Friday Night Live committee and the National Honor Society. She also served as a United States Naval Sea Cadets and volunteered at the San Francisco VA Hospital. Nursing is her chosen field of study at San Jose State University.
The Kiwanis Club Special Recognition Scholarship ($2,500) is awarded again this year to a student who also demonstrated those values embodied by Kiwanis. This year we proudly present this to Aruushi Kaur. Aruushi was a member of the Key Club for 4 years, served as President, Vice President and secretary. She was a member of the National Honor Society for 4 years. Aruushi plans to study Biology at UCLA.
The Kiwanis Rising Star scholarship ($1,250) is typically awarded to a non-Key Club student who has demonstrated academic, community and future success achievements. Rohan Jadhav is just such a student deserving of this scholarship. Having received a Certificate of Merit from the Royal Conservatory of Music, his picture in the Piano Guild Magazine and being co-founder of the BHS Robotics team…Johan is a natural fit for this scholarship. Johan lists Computer Science as his field of study at UCLA.
The Kiwanis Community Rock Star Scholarship ($1,250) is awarded to a student that demonstrates their commitment to our community in addition to achieving academic excellence. This year we award this to Alyssa Ilyassco. Alyssa has participated in several clubs at BHS, has held officer positions, been a member of the National Honor Society and the BHS Dance team. Allyssa also served as Student Leader for US Representative Mike Thompson. Alyssa lists psychology as her chosen field of study at either UC Santa Cruz.
The Kiwanis Hope of America awards ($500 cash each) were presented to Justin Edwards and Lily Myers. This award is typically presented to student(s) who, in our hearts, we know will be future contributors to our community and country. Lily was an acclaimed member of the BHS Marching Band, was elected to receive the Drum Major Award, was on the principals Honor Roll, volunteered at Loma Vista Farm and tutored clarinet. She lists Marine Science as her chosen field of study at UC Monterey. Justin achieved a high GPA, has been on the honor roll and selected as student of the month several times and has a fantastic positive outlook on life. He has served as a middle school youth group leader and provided mentoring at the middle school. Justin plans to attend Solano Community College with the hope of becoming either a firefighter or an EMT.
Again.. Congratulations to all the deserving recipients from everyone in the Kiwanis Club of Benicia for all your achievements. We look forward to your accomplishments academically and for your community in the future!. You all make us very proud to be citizens of our small, but mighty city of Benicia.
