LA MIRADA SCHOLARSHIPS – Recipients of $1,000 scholarships were recognized at the Rotary Club of La Mirada meeting this week. Pictured are (l to r): Rotary President Russell Hall, Luis Mancheno, Cornel Van Dam and Cheryl Rushing representatives of the Van Dam Family Foundation, and Eric Rhee. Not pictured are: Stephanie Beresewicz, Damaris Castro and Vanessa Lechuga.
The Rotary Club of La Mirada has selected five graduating seniors at La Mirada High School students to receive $1,000 scholarships, according to President Russell Hall.
Recipients of the Rotary Club of La Mirada scholarships are: Stephanie Beresewicz, Damaris Castro, Vanessa Lechuga, Luis Mancheno, and Eric Rhee.
“Rotary is very pleased to present scholarships to young leaders who embody our belief in service above self,” says Hall. “We are confident that these students will succeed in their educational pursuits, and will become highly productive members of their communities in the future.”
Providing scholarship opportunities is in keeping with the six primary areas of focus for Rotary International’s efforts throughout the world. Rotary’s areas of focus include: basic education and literacy, disease prevention and treatment, economic development, maternal and child health, peace and conflict resolution, and water and sanitation.
The C. A. Van Dam Family Foundation made a generous $3,000 donation to support the scholarship program in memory of Cor Van Dam, a charter member of the club who owned the former Valley View Farms dairy. Van Dam helped to pioneer the La Mirada area. He was a founding member of the La Mirada Rotary Club. Along with other Rotarians, he helped to establish the La Mirada Chamber of Commerce. He served on the La Mirada Planning Commission, and was a leading member of the local business community for many years.
The Rotary Club is working in conjunction with the La Mirada Community Foundation, which will process the scholarship payments. Rotarians will be present the scholarships awards to the students at graduation events at La Mirada High School.
Applications for the scholarship program were distributed in the Spring of 2015, and applications submitted were reviewed by a committee of Rotarians.
In addition to the scholarship awards, other community service projects are conducted annually by the Rotary Club of La Mirada include the Eileen Wade Clothes for Kids Holiday Shopping event. More than 40 La Mirada children are taken to Marshall’s department store on Imperial Highway and Santa Gertrudes Avenue to shop for warm clothing, jackets and shoes in December. A holiday party is held following the event at the La Mirada Activity Center. Members of the Rotary Club and the Interact Club at La Mirada High School also participate in numerous community events throughout the year. In addition, Rotarians work with the Walmart Neighborhood Market to provide food for needy families through the Good Sam Pantry at Beatitudes Church during the Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter holidays.
“Rotary is made up 1.2 million neighbors, friends, and community leaders who work together to create positive changes in their communities and around the world,” adds Hall. “Our many different occupations, cultures, and countries give us a unique perspective. Rotarians’ shared passion for service helps us accomplish the remarkable.”
The Rotary Club of La Mirada meets for lunch each Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. at the Elephant Bar Restaurant, 14303 Firestone Boulevard. Individuals interested in learning more about the Rotary Club are welcome to attend a club meeting. Additional information is available at https://www.facebook.com/Rotarycluboflamirada.