2009 Scholarship Winners

2009 VCDSA Scholarship Winners

Monica M. Campos, age 18 – Monica is the daughter of Deputy Frances Saleh. She will graduate from Royal High School in June 2009. Monica is the class Valedictorian and currently holds a 4.083 grade point average. She has been accepted for admission at the University of California Irvine, and plans to major in Nursing. Monica is goal oriented and her college goal is to become a nurse practitioner, and to specialize in working with children. In addition to being first in her class, she received the Most Improved Student award in History and participated in Girls Water Polo and Swim Team for three years. She also enjoys snowboarding, waterskiing and swimming in her free time. Monica’s favorite volunteer activity is as a Junior Volunteer in the Labor & Delivery Unit at Simi Valley Hospital, and she has also assisted for several years at a local homeless shelter at Thanksgiving, and has participated in the Lighthouse Women & Children event and the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.

Joseph E. Koressel, age 18 – Joseph is the son of Deputy Patrick Koressel, Ret. He will graduate from Moorpark High School in June 2009 and currently holds a 4.205 grade point average. Joseph has been accepted for admission at the University of California Davis, where he will major in Biological Sciences in preparation for medical school, where he intends to pursue a career as a radiologist. His academic success as an AP Scholar earned him the Ivy Chain for graduation, and he has received the Excellence in Academics award and placed highly in the Future Business Leaders of America sectional competition. Joseph is currently the captain of the Ventura Mariners Hockey team, served as assistant captain for his school’s Varsity Volleyball and Swim Teams, played Football as a freshman and also participated in the Tri-Valley Roller Hockey league. Joseph is a member of the National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America and is president of the Hockey Club. He has volunteered over 150 hours at Arroyo Vista Veterinary Hospital, earned a position there as an assistant veterinary technician, and has participated in the Relay for Life and Coastal Cleanup events for three years.

Sophia M. Sander, age 17 – Sophia is the daughter of Commander Glenn Sander. She will graduate from Adolfo Camarillo High School in June 2009 and currently holds a 4.666 grade point average. Sophia plans to attend either the University of California Los Angeles or Yale University, where she will major in Theater Arts and/or Mathematics. In her words, she is drawn to the “black-and-whiteness” of math but is also deeply passionate about the creative process of acting and dramatic production. She is a member of the National Honor Roll, earned the AP Scholar with Honor Award, the National Mathematics Award and is a National Merit Scholar. Sophia has played Varsity Basketball all four years in high school, is the basketball Team Captain and was named First Team, All League. She also participated in JV Track & Field for two years. She is the Activities Coordinator for her school Red Cross Club, participated in the HERO Club (Help Educate at Risk Orphans) for four years, and earned the ACHS Community Service Athlete Award.

Kamarin E. Smith, age 17 – Kamarin is the daughter of D.A. Investigator III Kathy Smith. She will graduate from La Reina High School in June 2009 and currently holds a 3.83 grade point average. Kamarin will attend Purdue University where she will major in International Business. She has earned Honors Ribbons throughout high school for her academic performance, and has been a member of the California Scholarship Federation and received the Citizenship Award each year. Kamarin competed on the La Reina Swim Team for two years and has served as a Retreat Leader where she helps instill Catholic values in underclassmen. She has been the Props Coordinator for the school’s Tech Crew, worked as a Yearbook Photographer and has been a member of the Math Club. Kamarin received the Volunteer Service Award for Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks District for four consecutive years for her efforts teaching classes, coaching youth sports, and helping at camps, carnivals and festivals. She has also volunteered for Conejo Valley Mothers of Multiples, through many activities with her Tapo-Simi 4H Club and she currently volunteers her time weekly at the Simi Valley Hospital Emergency Room.

David J. Wareham, age 18 – David is the son of Sergeant Dave Wareham. He graduated from St. Bonaventure High School in June 2008 and currently attends Northern Arizona University where he has a 3.53 grade point average. David is majoring in Pre-Med studies with an emphasis in Biology, and he has a minor in Criminal Justice. He plans to continue his college education in medical school and hopes to become an Orthopedic Surgeon. David was an Honor Roll member throughout high school and is a National Honor Society and National College Scholar member. He participated in high school Track, Cross-Country, Football and Basketball and now plays Intramural Basketball in college. David was an ASB Ambassador in high school and started the Recycling Group at St. Bonaventure High. He also volunteers his time at the Flagstaff Medical Center, has helped annually with the Fillmore Christmas Toy Drive and has assisted with many Fillmore Rotary Club community functions.