Samantha Pinsky
Staff Writer
Mira Costa’s College and Career Center is giving seniors the opportunity to create a scholarship notebook, allowing them to compile all of their achievements into one file by Feb 27, which will be reviewed by various donors in the community who wish to award scholarships to seniors.
The scholarships are awarded based on financial need, post-graduation plans, community service participation, area of study, academic merit, and various other factors. Counselor Kristi Branim held informational meetings in the CCC on Jan 7, 10, and 15 to outline the procedure to prepare seniors.
“I think the scholarship notebooks are our most efficient resource for college financing,” Senior Alex Hanson said, “It condenses our portfolio into one project as opposed to requiring individual applications for each scholarship opportunity.”
In the notebook, students are to include their senior information sheet, a scholarship application, their transcript, a personal essay, honors and awards, and an optional letter of recommendation.
“The scholarship notebook program is unique to Costa,” Branim said, “Other schools have scholarship support, but since our community is so full of donors it is a special opportunity for seniors.”
Local organizations such as Neptunian Women’s Club and Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce participate in the program along with individuals who have created their own scholarships. Costa English teacher Shannon Vaughan is one such individual, who is developing a scholarship in memory of Irving Ziller. Costa Students have the opportunity to select which donors they would like to consider them.
“Irving Ziller was a neighbor of mine who lived well into his nineties,” Vaughan said, “He was an important part of my life. When he died, I used the money he left for me to create a scholarship for outstanding individuals.”
Although the amount of participants varies by year, 70% of applicants typically receive an award. The awards range from $100-5000, and some can be renewed each year of college.
“I am making a scholarship notebook because I’d like to get a little bit of pressure off of my parents to pay for college,” senior Alec Hoffman said, “And I think my extracurricular activities will help me to receive a scholarship.”
According to Branim, the scholarship notebook program has succeeded for the past five years due to the combined effort of the CCC, the donors, and the applicants. Without the coordination of the CCC, the generosity of the community, or the eager participation of seniors, the program would not thrive.
“I encourage every senior to participate,” Branim said, “Because the award can be beneficial regardless of the amount.”
The scholarships will be rewarded at a senior recognition ceremony held on June 16th. Seniors will be invited to the ceremony several weeks before, and will not know which rewards they are receiving until the night of the event.
“I am excited to find out if I receive any scholarships,” senior Andrew Burdiak said, “It would be an honor to be one of the few chosen out of all the applicants.”
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