 |
|
|
|
|
WGHS student picked for a Latino officers scholarship
By Melissa Matchak
Willow Glen High School senior Adam Saucedo knew that following in his father's footsteps would pay off someday, but he never guessed how much.
Saucedo is one of the five recipients of this year's Richard Reyes Memorial Scholarship, given by the National Latino Peace Officers Association. Saucedo received a $1,500 scholarship at the 27th Annual Scholarship and Installation Dinner-Dance Benefit on Feb. 10.
Burga Santiago, the scholarship chairman, said the scholarship is primarily for Latino students who plan a career in the criminal justice system, but is open to any interested student who meets the selection criteria.
Criteria for the scholarship include a minimum GPA of 2.5, or higher, with no Ds or Fs in all completed courses, community service or involvement, and an interview by the National Latino Peace Officers Association Scholarship Committee.
Saucedo said he decided to apply for the scholarship after a friend of his father's suggested it.
"I thought it would be good for me to apply because it's part of my heritage, and I couldn't find too many scholarships that have to do with being Latino," Saucedo said.
Saucedo plans to attend Santa Clara University in the fall and said he will most likely study law, to follow his father into the profession. He said he is most interested in becoming involved in immigration or criminal law.
He said he believes he received the scholarship because he met the required criteria. Saucedo has been active in community service projects at his temple, Temple Emmanu-El in San Jose, for the past three or four years, participating in canned food drives and beautification days throughout high school.
Although Saucedo said the interview was a bit intimidating, he feels the panel of four interviewers recognized his enthusiasm about the scholarship.
Santiago, who was also a member of the interview panel, said Saucedo impressed her with his achievements and answers to the questions asked.
"It's refreshing to see young people who are achievers," Santiago said. "We're trying to help the young people out, especially with the high cost of education these days."
Santiago said the four other recipients include Santa Clara University students, a University of California-Berkeley student and a student applying for law school. She said the amount of the scholarships each year varies according to the funds raised throughout the year.
|
|
|
|
Willow Glen, California Since 1992
