The verdicts are in and we are proud to announce the winners of our John Agnifili, Jane Bates-Rehder and Tony Wince Scholarships. With such a pool of terrific kids, the decision was not easy. Students with a grade point average (GPA) higher than 4.0 have taken college credit courses in high school. Grade point averages were as high as 4.83. Some helped support their families while doing an abundance of charity work as well as being star of an athletic team. And we think we have busy lives? But best of all, these kids are nice, down-to-earth, and personable.
Thanks to all of you in your generosity at the Services Auction, with the Entertainment Guides purchases, and the 50/50 raffle for making these scholarships possible. Come meet your scholarship recipients at the Scholarship barbeque in July. So, without further rambling, here they are:
This scholarship is awarded to Orange County Seniors
Esther Lofgren stands a beautiful 6' 1" tall. She attends Newport Harbor High School where she maintains a 4.3 GPA. She will be attending Harvard University in the fall majoring in Engineering. Her goal is working in a technology related field. We found Esther to be as lovely on the inside as she is on the outside. She had to overcome great personal adversity to accomplish great things in her high school career.
She belongs to the National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation, Community Outreach Committee, Latin Club, Student Political Action Committee, Youth Advisory Committee and Associated Student Body officer, She is most proud of her accomplishments in NAC Junior Women's Rowing where she is captain and is ranked 4th in the nation and 15th internationally. She hopes to compete in the next Olympics. In her spare time (of which I can't find any) she plays piano and gives solo performances.
Esther says, "Through crew this past year and a half, I have begun to fully appreciate my stature both on the water and in the rest of my life. I am proud to stand tall because I believe in myself. Now if only I could find any 36" jeans." (We clued her in where to go.)
Elizabeth Kowalczyk is 6' 1" tall and attends Capistrano Valley High School where she had a GPA of 4.6 and ranked 5th in a class of 736 students.
In the fall she will be attending Pomona College where she will be studying History for possibly going into teaching. Elizabeth belongs to Key Club, National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation, Principal's and Superintendent's Honor Roll, Academy of Math Technology and Science Program, and Accelerated Academic Achievement Program.
She manages to find time to do High School basketball, Club basketball, and AYSO soccer all 4 years. Elizabeth volunteers at elementary schools, church activities, and Discovery Camp.
"I am both proud and happy to be tall. Being tall has influenced the person I have become and is part of my personality. Being tall is not only a physical condition, but also a state of mind. My height is something I am proud of and do not want to hide." This is evident in her email address - "monkeyarms".
Mallory Primm stands 5' 10" tall and attends Esperanza High School and maintains a 4.6 GPA and is ranked 26th in a class of 693. In the fall she will be attending UC Berkeley and will be studying communications. She would like a position in advertising that would offer her travel.
Mallory is especially proud of leading students in Students Against Destructive Decisions which spreads the word to students about alternatives to destructive decisions and the consequences of those decisions. She is also involved with Associated Student Body, Drama Club, California Scholarship Federation, National Honors Society, and 4 years of High School Soccer. She was captain in Transatlantic Soccer Bridge tournament between German Language classes in California which they won and were awarded a free trip to Germany. She hopes to repeat it again this year.
She also touts accomplishments in the theatre and baking. She had even started a cake-making business.
"Being tall is not just a physical characteristic; it is a personality. It connotes honesty and integrity. It requires poise and grace. It means being a leader, being strong, standing up and standing out. I am proud of my height, my responsibility as a role model, my hard work, my leadership, and my character. That is what being tall is really about; it's not only on the outside, but on the inside as well."
Andrew Hinger stands 6' 4½" and attends Corona del Mar High School. He will be attending Chapman University in the fall where he will major in business and film. Andrew had so many interests and abilities, he is still unsure if he will be pursuing international business, architecture, or film production. He is so talented that we know he will succeed in whatever he chooses.
We were so impressed with what a great kid he was. Andrew has such a big heart that he initiated charitable activities with his friends without expecting any recognition or credit for his efforts.
He has quite a list of accomplishments. He is most proud of becoming an Eagle Scout this year. He was in the top 4% of the Scouting Program. He is also in Youth and Government in the YMCA, Sports Business Club, and his church youth ministry. He manages to find time for Cross Country and Track and Field.
"My height requires me to be more responsible for my behavior. Now it is more important to use the principles in scouting as my height puts me in full view of the public eye. People are always looking up to me. No tall stories here, my positive attitude gives me the edge when others ask about the view from the top."
This scholarship is awarded to a TCOC member or an immediate family member.
Jack G. F. Hill is a valued and respected member of our TCOC family. He came to us a few years ago and has made great contributions to the club. Jack has immense dedication to teach and help special education students.
While teaching full time, he also attends Cal State University at Fullerton full time at night to obtain his credentials.
Here are 2 alternate candidates that we feel deserve scholarships as well. As funding raising permits, we hope the club will award them as well.
Alison Owen stands 6' tall and attends El Modena High School where she maintains a 4.54 GPA and is ranked 18th out of 472 students. She will be attending the University of Santa Barbara studying Biology to become a Physician.
Alison is in the Key Club, Student Government, Girl's League, Left Hander's Club, California Scholarship Federation, and National Honor Society. She manages to find time do volleyball, track and field, and basketball. Alison is even a published author of two poems.
"To me being tall means a lifetime of opportunities and advantages, some of which I have already experienced and others are waiting for me to discover. There are also associated responsibilities. These expectations have helped me to develop into a responsible and mature person.
Derek Rinks is 6' 4" tall and attends Valley Christian High School. In the fall he will be attending UC Irvine where he will be studying Computer Science. Derek plans to become a software design engineer.
Some of Derek's accomplishments are ASB Student Council, Ski Club officer, class officers, 4 year Varsity letterman, National Honor Society, appointed by school for Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership, Assistant Track Couch, church youth group leader, Long Beach Rescue Mission volunteer, USA Junior Lifeguard Association National Champion in 2 mile beach run event, Academy Search and Rescue Training Program and cross-country and track.
He found his 8' 4" vertical reach to be most helpful in volleyball and basketball. "Being tall is not only fun, but it has shaped my personality and had a huge influence on my life. Being tall makes me someone who people literally look up to, and for that reason, I must hold myself to the standard of being a good role model. Being tall sets me apart from the crowd, but at the same time, it brings me closer to the people I know and love."
We applaud all of these great kids and their accomplishments. And I applaud all of you for making it possible to help them further their dreams.
last content change: 2003/06/06
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