The foundation announced the winners of the fifth annual Silicon Valley Scholarship Program for the class of 2004 this spring. Students were awarded $1,000 scholarships in recognition of their exemplary record, outstanding academic performance and community spirit.

Several students received scholarships locally and were presented with checks from the foundation by association member representatives.

Robin Rector from Los Gatos High School was presented with a scholarship to attend Georgetown University by Brian Bernasconi, of Alain Pinel Realtors. Serena Lin of Saratoga High School received a scholarship to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, presented by Kathleen Chong of Coldwell Banker.

Scott Riley, who will attend the University of California, Berkeley, was presented a scholarship by Joette Schenck, Intero Real Estate. Lesley Makishima of Westmont High School received a scholarship to attend California State University, Long Beach, from presenter Russell Morris of Coldwell Banker. Elizabeth Amstutz of Prospect High School plans to attend Stanford University and also received a scholarship.

Catherine Chen from Cupertino High School will attend USC and received her scholarship from presenter Chris Alston of Keller Williams Realty. Laurence Jiang of Homestead High School, who will attend UC- Berkeley, received his scholarship from presenter Doug Larson of Coldwell Banker.

The class of 2004 Silicon Valley Scholars were selected from high schools in the communities served by the 3,000 members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors.

"This program is part of a long-term effort to support our communities and schools and to make an investment in our collective future—our youth," said Nina Yamaguchi, who oversees the Scholars Program at the Silicon Valley Realtors Charitable Foundation. "Furthermore, it's our way to say 'thank you' to the teachers, administrators and school-board members who make the schools in our community special."

Winners were selected through a partnership effort with area high schools. Principals and faculty at each school nominated three graduating seniors with exemplary records. In addition to superior academic achievement, scholarship winners were also selected for being well-rounded student/citizens who are involved in the broader community.

Final selections were made by a committee that includes representatives from the business community, area high schools, area colleges and the Silicon Valley Realtors Association. The scholarships are granted to the winners upon enrollment in an accredited four-year college or university of their choice.

The Silicon Valley Association of Realtors Charitable Foundation is a trust that makes grants available to organizations from donations by its Realtor and Affiliate members and friends. The Charitable Foundation is a wholly owned 501(c)3 subsidiary of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors, a nonprofit trade association. In addition to student scholarships, the Charitable Foundation Trust also awards approximately $150,000 in grants annually to nonprofit organizations in the areas of youth, housing and education.