Past Winners

1994 — Saralyn McSorley 1995 — Cynthia Roberts, Magdalena Ruvalcaba 1996 — Linda Houston 1997 — Angela Hernandez 1998 — Riva Bugera, Sonia Castillo 1999 — Lourdes R. Cervantes 2000 — Karen Liberto, Paula Perretta 2001 — Rafael Gamboa, Joy Mathiesen 2002 — Kimberleigh Kopp, Martha Corrales 2003 — Kelli Dancs, Angelia Watkins 2004 — Alexandra Kim, Gloria C. Rodriguez 2006 — Catalina Calderon, Deborah Harmon 2007 — Richard Ojeda, Elisabeth Sriwarodom 2008 — Myriah McGlynn, Yolanda Zúniga 2009 — Shawneka Thomas, Jillian Margaret Collins 2010 — Joseph Murphy, Carlos Elizondo, Charles James, Griselda Hembera

2010 winners. From left, Robyn Quaco, California Coast Credit Union; Joseph Murphy, recipient; Richard Barrera, Board President; recipients Carlos Elizondo, Charles James and Griselda Hembera; Michelle Collar, Mission Federal Credit Union.

Board President's Scholarship

Corporate Sponsors California Coast Credit Union Mission Federal Credit Union

Since 1994, the San Diego Unified School District has presented the Board President’s Scholarship. In 2010, the California Coast Credit Union and Mission Federal Credit Union donated $2,000 each to fund four $1,000 scholarships.

The scholarships are presented to monthly, classified district employees who are currently enrolled in a college and have a goal of becoming a teacher. This year we had many deserving applicants which made the selection process very challenging.

2010 Recipients

Carlos Elizondo

Carlos has been employed at O’Farrell Community Charter School as an English Language Learner Teacher’s Assistant since 2009.  He attends University of California, San Diego and will graduate in 2012.  Carlos’ co-workers refer to him as a hard working, caring individual who is deeply invested in his students’ academic success.  Carlos also works as an Online Tutor with the John Corcoran Foundation.  He believes that his mission is to become a teacher and help his students become successful and productive members of society.

Griselda Hembera

Griselda has been employed with the District since 1996 and is currently an Administrative Aide at Lincoln High School. She will graduate from National University in February 2011 with a degree in Psychology and will receive her teaching credential in 2012. Working in the school environment and having two children of her own is what inspired Griselda to change her career path and become a teacher. The Principal at Lincoln High School, Ana Alvarez describes Griselda as, “an extremely intelligent and notable future educator.” Griselda believes that by completing her education she will be able to encourage both her children and students to do the same.

Charles James

Charles has been an Instructional Behavioral Technician at Morse High School since September 2003. Charles believes in order to help a child reach their full academic potential, you must engage them by relating the lessons to their personal interests thereby addressing their individual needs. He serves as a mentor in the Black Student Union Club and his coworkers feel he is a great role model to the students. Charles is currently attending Ashford University where he will receive his degree in Organization Management in 2011.

Joseph Murphy

Joseph has been a Special Education Technician at Clairemont High School in the Physical Health and Disabilities Program for the past 5 years.  Joseph states that he believes he has found his “niche in education” working with these particular students.  He states, “I believe I am an integral part of my students’ academic and future success, which gives me a wonderful feeling of accomplishment.”  Joseph is currently attending National University where he will receive his degree in Mild/Moderate Special Education in 2012.