The Campbell Reporter
News
Realtors offer scholarships for '08 high school seniors
By Rose Meily
The ninth annual Silicon Valley Scholars Program for graduating seniors from public high schools is once again being sponsored by the Charitable Foundation of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors, the 4,000-member trade association representing real estate professionals on the Peninsula and in the South Bay.
The Realtors Scholarship Program is a partnership with local high schools in Silicon Valley. Each year, principals and faculty at 18 participating high schools nominate three exceptional graduating seniors. The program awards a $1,000 scholarship in recognition of exemplary records, outstanding academic performance and community spirit to one nominee from each school.
The class of 2008 Silicon Valley scholars will be selected from the high schools in the communities served by members of SILVAR. Final selections will be made by a committee that includes representatives from the local business community, area high schools, area colleges and the realty group.
Participating high schools include: Leigh and Lynbrook in San Jose; Westmont in Campbell; Fremont in Sunnyvale; Los Altos; Los Gatos; Gunn and Palo Alto in Palo Alto; Menlo Atherton in Atherton; Santa Clara and Wilcox in Santa Clara; Cupertino, Homestead and Monta Vista in Cupertino; Prospect and Saratoga in Saratoga; Mountain View; and Woodside in Woodside.
In 2007, Campbell Union High School District students Melissa Solin of Leigh, Matthew Lee of Westmont and Kristen Lee of Prospect were among the recipients.
"The annual Realtors Scholarship Program is part of our long-term effort to support our communities and schools and to make an investment in the future of our youth," said Nina Yamaguchi, chairwoman of the Scholars Program at the Silicon Valley Realtors Charitable Foundation. "It's the best way we can thank teachers, administrators and school board members in our communities. Through their dedication and efforts, along with our students, the schools in our communities are among the best in California and the nation."
The foundation is a trust that makes grants available to organizations from donations by its members and friends. Last year, the foundation donated more than $64,000 to nonprofit organizations that help disadvantaged youth, the homeless and low-income individuals and families in Silicon Valley.
"Realtors are committed to the welfare and prosperity of the communities where we live and work," Yamaguchi said. "Through our charitable contributions and member involvement, we strive to help create more productive and enriched communities."
Applications may be obtained at participating high schools. The completed application must be returned to the high school's principal or scholarship counselor by the March 10 deadline, for submission to the foundation.
For further information, contact Nina Yamaguchi at 408.861.8822 or nyamaguchi@cbnorcal.com.