Saturday, June 4, 2011

Lakeside Firefighters announce winner of Rick Smith Memorial Scholarship

On June 2, 2011, the Lakeside Firefighters' Association presented the winner of the Rick Smith Memorial Scholarship at El Capitan High School's annual awards ceremony. This is the first year for this scholarship which was created by the Lakeside Firefighters' Association to honor the late R.A. "Rick" Smith who was a longtime community activist. Mr. Smith was involved in many organizations that benefited Lakeside and served for 20 years as a member of the Lakeside Fire Board.

Carl Chiodo and Lakeside Firefighters' Association President Beto Lawler present Belen Montoya with a check at an award ceremony held at El Capitan High School
One of the main considerations for awarding this scholarship was service to the Lakeside community. After interviewing the six outstanding students that applied for this scholarship, the Lakeside Firefighters were faced with the difficult task of choosing a winner.

Belen with members of the Lakeside Firefighters' Association
This year the scholarship was awarded to El Capitan High School senior Belen Montoya. Along with excelling scholastically, Belen has spent many hours mentoring and tutoring not only her fellow students at El Cap, but also bilingual children at Riverview Elementary School. She has been active in El Cap's "Roots and Shoots" program, the Academic League, served as Vice President of the Spanish Club, and has participated in El Cap's Insight program. Belen even spent over 200 hours of her own time helping the school's Science Department move into their new building last summer! These are just a few of her many contributions and accomplishments not only as an outstanding student, but also as an outstanding member of the Lakeside community. It is with great pleasure that the Lakeside Firefighters' Association presented her with this scholarship to be used towards her college education. They are sure that it will be a great investment, not only for Belen's future but also for the future of Lakeside. 

Congratulations and good luck Belen.

Submitted By: Fire Engineer Carl Chiodo, Lakeside Fire District

No comments:

Post a Comment