2010 VCDSA Scholarship Winners

2010 Scholarship Winners Announced!

From left to right:Katherine A. Sharp, Andi M. Stewart, Dylan A. Rodarte, Kaitlin M. Cook, and Diane M. Verduzco

The VCDSA Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce the winners of the 2010 VCDSA Scholarship Awards. As is customary, all winners were selected by the committee based upon a blind review of applications, meaning that the identities of the applicants were unknown to the committee members (all identifying information was stricken from the applications). The selection criteria is based upon academic standing and performance, participation in school, athletic and outside activities, community service, overcoming of personal obstacles, and quality of application essay.

As in the past, the committee members had a difficult time reaching their final decisions due to the outstanding qualifications of all of the applicants. Sixteen applications were submitted, from which five applicants were selected. We wish every applicant continued success in their endeavors.

The five winners, who will each receive a $1,500 scholarship payable to the college they attend, are (in alphabetical order):

Kaitlin M. Cook, age 17 – Kaitlin is the daughter of Sr. Deputy Dean Cook. She will graduate from Simi High School in June 2010 and currently holds a 3.72 cumulative grade point average. Kaitlin has been accepted to Azusa Pacific University where she will major in liberal studies and pursue a career in education. At Simi High, she has received Renaissance Awards for academic excellence over 8 semesters, and has been recognized for Peer Tutoring for 2 semesters. Kaitlin is active outdoors and in her community as a 4-year member of Venturing Crew 9642, a coed affiliate of the Boy Scouts of America. Venturing has enabled her to experience backpacking, rock climbing, snowshoeing through Yosemite National Park, and other activities. Kaitlin is president of her Venturing Crew, and previously served as vice-president and secretary. She is also currently volunteering as a student intern at Hollow Hills Fundamental School, teaching kindergarten and first grade, and frequently volunteers at her church nursery, helping with visual and music programs at church, and other community outreach. Kaitlin also works as a waitress at Vintage Simi Hills, a senior living center.

Dylan A. Rodarte, age 17 – Dylan is the son of Retired Deputy Don Rodarte. He will graduate from Nordhoff High School in June 2010 and currently holds a 4.37 cumulative grade point average. Dylan intends to pursue an undergraduate degree in engineering. He has been accepted to the University of California Los Angeles and is on the waitlist for Princeton University. Dylan intends to use his college education in service of the common good in either the defense, aerospace or consumer products industries. In high school, Dylan has been on the Principal’s Honor Roll all four years, received the 2009 AP Scholar with Honors Award, the Golden State Seal Merit Diploma and numerous academic letters. He played on the JV Golf Team as a sophomore and is playing Varsity Golf as a senior. He devoted his time and talents over hundreds of hours to assist the Oxnard Police Activities League charity with its Halloween fundraiser, and many hours in a variety of community service projects through Boy Scout Troop 504.

Katherine A. Sharp, age 17 – Katherine is the daughter of Senior Deputy James Sharp. She holds a 3.64 cumulative grade point average at Foothill Technology High School, where she will graduate in June 2010. Katherine has been accepted to California State University Channel Islands where she will pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and graduate as a Registered Nurse. She has been a three-year member of Foothill’s Bioscience Academy and affiliated Job Shadow program, which has given her exposure to many aspects of the local health and biomedical communities. Katherine is a four-year Honor Roll member and also participated in Freshman and JV Water Polo and JV Swimming. In June, she will be recognized for her substantial donation of community service hours, which include giving her time and talents to the Boys & Girls Club, Community Memorial Hospital, the American Cancer Society and local school carnivals. Her hospital volunteerism includes ongoing service in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit where she is now the Assistant to the High Risk Infant Follow-Up Clinic Coordinator. Katherine is also a recipient of the 2010 PORAC Scholarship.

Andi M. Stewart, age 17 – Andi is the daughter of Commander Guy Stewart. She will graduate from Buena High School in June 2010 and currently holds a cumulative grade point average 4.09. Andi has been accepted to Oregon State University where she plans to major in science and pursue an undergraduate degree in environmental science. Her future goal is to help restore endangered animal habitats and establish animal sanctuaries. In high school, Andi has earned the National Honors Society Award, Rotary Club Vocational Student Award, and the President’s Award for Academic Excellence, and she has served as president of the school’s Science League. She was co-captain of Buena’s Girls Varsity Golf Team where she was Rookie of the Year and recognition as Outstanding Scholar Athlete. She is first-chair tenor saxophone for the school’s Jazz Band and a varsity member of the Marching Band. Andi is a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. She has also served for three years as a volunteer academic tutor for elementary school students and for two years as the head volunteer for the non-profit equine therapy group Reins of Hope.

Diane M. Verduzco, age 18 – Diane is the step-daughter of Sr. Deputy Kevin Lynch. She is a graduate of Royal High School in Simi Valley and also attended Mira Costa High in Manhattan Beach. She is currently attending Moorpark College, where she holds a 3.52 cumulative grade point average. Diane plans to major in architecture and interior design, and will graduate from Moorpark College in June 2013 and continue her pursuit of undergraduate and graduate degrees in those fields. She has a passion for design and her goal is to open her own architectural and design firm. Diane has received the President’s Award for Academic Excellence, Best Essay Writer award in 10th grade, and she was the 8th grade salutatorian at Coast Christian School. She was a member of the Mira Costa High “Link Crew” where she assisted with new student welcoming and orientation. Diane played AYSO soccer for nine years and also volunteered her time to assist Simi Valley Girls Softball. She has also volunteered her time and talent for Simi Presbyterian Church Summer Camp and for many years in the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign to raise money for underprivileged families.