Issue link: http://pefpages.uberflip.com/i/824262
PEF SENIOR SCHOLARSHIPS Each year, PEF awards scholarships to graduating high school students. Applicants were asked to explain how funding from PEF has impacted their education in the Palos Verdes Unified School District. We are excited to announce the winners from the field of impressive applicants: Peninsula High student Leyla Anvaripour, Palos Verdes High student Abigail LaPine and Palos Verdes High student Alison Hsieh. In the past, PEF has awarded two scholarships. Because of the generosity of an anonymous donor, this year PEF is awarding a 3rd scholarship – The Tony Dellovade Memorial Scholarship. Tony, a 2014 PVHS graduate, was an excellent student and 4-year member of the varsity tennis team. He was known for his infectious smile, grace and humility. Abigail LaPine is the features editor for PVHS' newspaper, The Point. She is also president of the school's Palos Verdes Organization of Women's Club, which advocates for equality and promotes educa- tion for girls served around the world. Abigail hasn't decided on what college to attend, but she is interested in studying business or law. Abigail says, "PEF offers the resources to excel in the college process without the need to rely on an outside counselor which can be costly. Ms. Lewis at the College and Career Center has invested invaluable time in me and into my college search." Leyla Anvaripour, a Peninsula High student, is the ASB Commissioner of Spirit and a member of the Varsity Song Team. She is also a delegate for the California YMCA's Youth and Government Model Legislature and Court, the state's premier youth leadership and civic engagement program. Leyla talks about the college admission process and says, "I am blessed to have a family that values education. But applying to colleges nowadays is stressful and going through the long, confusing application process with two immi- grant parents definitely does not make it easier." She went on to say, " Ms. Lewallen and Ms. Arico told me about every single scholarship opportunity for girls, first generation immigrants or even prospective business majors. I feel certain that I am forever in debt." Alison Hsieh is the captain of Palos Verdes High girls' golf team and is a member of the Principal Advisory Council. She is the assistant prin- cipal cellist of the Colburn Youth Orchestra and has performed at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Alison recalls, "In elementary school, little did I know that picking up my first instrument through the music program for 4th and 5th graders would lead me to becoming the principal cellist of the PVHS Orchestra." She plans on attending college where she can continue studying the cello and also pursue a pre-med curriculum. "My interests, my strengths, and who I am as a person today are a result of the PEF donations from benevolent parents and local businesses who believe in the future." To ny D e l l o va d e M e m o r i a l S c h o l a rs h i p W i n n e r