Photos by
Mary Emily Myers
Outlook Valley Sun
The Community Scholarship Foundation recently held its 2023 Scholarship and Distinguished Person Awards Ceremony and Reception at the Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge.
At the event, CSF President Brenda Gant was acknowledged for her three years of service as president.
Brenda and Mary Gant, Trish McRae, Alice Perez, Wes Seastrom, Caroline Anderson, Linda Evans, Dr. Michael and Nancy Leininger, and Larry and Linda Bryant presented the scholarship awards to the students. Special guest Rep. Judy Chu also presented certificates.
“I want to thank CSF again for the amazing work it has done to support students,” Chu said. “I want to congratulate this year’s honorees for the incredible determination they have shown in their pursuit of a higher education. Your stories are truly inspiring, and I can’t wait to see what great things you will do in the future. Congratulations.”
The students awarded included Cyrus Khaffaji (Shin Family Scholarship) and Jallen Merager (Suzie Johnson Scholarship) of La Cañada High School; Harry Kaminski (Robert and Betty Sorbonne Scholarship) of St. Francis High School; Jane Marriott (Dr. Michael and Nancy Leininger Scholarship) and Rebecca Gerola (Dan and Jo Seastrom Scholarship), Jeseung Park (Lt. Todd Bryant Scholarship) and Ava Karapetian (Gant Family Scholarship) of Crescenta Valley High School; and Siena Urquiza (Scholarship of Distinction) and Claire Robinson (Scholarship of Distinction) of Flintridge Sacred Heart.
Additionally, the Distinguished Person Award recipient was Suzie Johnson for her involvement in the lives of children as director of the Lighted Window Learning Center. Johnson also made a big impact in her years as adviser for Miss La Cañada and the court and many more community involvements.
The Community Scholarship Foundation of La Cañada Flintridge was founded in 1964 by a group of local volunteers who wanted to support high school seniors for their higher education aspirations.
The organization gave out $21,000 in scholarships, through the generosity of donors. For more information, visit csflacanada.org.
First published in the May 11 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
