Vandenberg Spouses’ Club awards $11,000 to students for higher education

  • Published
  • By Kelly Perry
  • Vandenberg Spouses' Club

The Vandenberg Spouses’ Club is proud to continue the tradition of awarding merit-based scholarships to military high school seniors and undergraduate dependents. The largest single donor to the scholarship fund is the Vandenberg Thrift Store, donating a record-breaking $3,000. These students are being recognized for their leadership, community involvement, and educational achievements.

 

In total, the VSC is awarding $10,950 to seven of the 12 applicants. The VSC also presented 2018 Leadership Awards to the seven winners. No spouses applied for scholarships this year.

 

The Vandenberg Thrift Store and VSC scholarship winner is Isabelle Pellot at Cabrillo High School. Isabelle received a $3,000 award. Being a military dependent, Isabelle overcame language barriers by attending an Italian school. She learned a new language and immersed herself in a new culture. Being a military dependent has made Isabelle more resilient and value higher education.

 

There are two winners of the first Vandenberg Spouses’ Club scholarship: Thomas Chiavacci at St. Joseph High School and Cassi Colangelo at Ernest Righetti High School. Thomas and Cassi each received an award of $2,500. Thomas looks forward to becoming an engineer. Being a military dependent has driven Thomas to actively participate in the community and work hard.  Being a military dependent inspired Cassi to take action. She created a student-mentoring program to help others. The VSC knows that Cassi will have a positive impact on our future education system.

 

Scholarships were also awarded to Cassandra Dudas, Gabriela Flores, Olivia Gore, a two time award winner, and Preston Russell. Cassandra has benefited from attending military-based camps for leadership. Olivia is working on her undergraduate degree at the California Polytechnic State University and intends to become a clinical psychologist. Along with her soccer talent, Gabriela is on the path to make documentaries to recognize those who help the less fortunate. Also, planning to study film, Preston values the privilege of receiving an education.

 

The VSC also awards sports scholarships to youth on base. This past year, the VSC awarded 12 soccer, eight basketball and one track scholarship.

 

We are always looking for new members to volunteer on the Scholarship Committee as well as fundraise for these worthy causes.

 

For more information, contact Kelly Perry at scholarships@vandenbergspousesclub.org