Schools

Six San Juan Teens Snag $3,000 Scholarships

Boys & Girls Clubs members win college grants through the Darden Restaurants Foundation.

Paying for college just got a little easier for six members of the .

Sindy Garcia, Taylor Aoude, Sara Ortiz, Melissa Standish, Marco Sanchez and Jose Zamarripa each won a $3,000 scholarship from the Darden Restaurants Inc. Foundation, the charitable arm of the parent company of Red Lobster, Olive Garden and other dining establishments.

The teens were among 68 club members nationwide to land scholarships through the foundation's Recipe for Success program, an interactive college-readiness workshop.

Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Recipe for Success focuses on inspiring Boys & Girls Club members to pursue their dreams and set ambitious goals by introducing them to the possibilities of postsecondary education.

The two-hour workshop helped the youths explore potential career paths and areas of study, provided tools for academic planning, and taught financial management skills. Workshop participants were also given insights on the importance of setting goals, networking and balancing school, family and social life.

Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Meet the local winners:

Sindy Garcia, a six-year Boys & Girls Club member, took part in the club's SeaTech, Keystone and programs. She also belongs to the San Juan Capistrano Youth Advisory Board and CREER. After graduating college, she plans to pursue a career as a community organizer.

Taylor Aoude has been a member of the club for seven years, including four in the Keystone leadership program. She plans to attend Saddleback College and transfer to a university.

Sara Ortiz is a five-year club member who has enjoyed the SeaTech and Street Smartz programs. She plans to attend Saddleback College, then enlist in the Army for a medical career.

Melissa Standish, another five-year club veteran, took part in SeaTech and Keystone--and received an Advanced Placement Merit Award. She plans to attend Cal State Fullerton and major in journalism.

Marco Sanchez spent four of his seven years at the club in the Keystone program. He also took part in SeaTech and Street Smartz. He plans to attend Saddleback College and transfer to a university.

Jose Zamarripa, a six-year B&GCer, devoted his time to SeaTech, Keystone and Streetz Smartz. He was also a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 43rd National Keystone Conference Youth Steering Committee. He plans to attend Saddleback College, then transfer to Cal State Fullerton or Juilliard as a music major.

In a press release issued by the Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley, Executive Director James Littlejohn praised the scholarship winners, saying: “It is an honor for our organization to have talented members who have taken pride in their future to become the best they can be."


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