The Paso Fino Foundation Youth Scholarship Committee announced that it has awarded $15,000 in scholarships to five deserving young members. The committee, which began working to fund the program in July 2004, has raised more than $60,000 to date.

Scholarship applicants were judged on academic achievement, association activities, community service and financial need. In addition, each applicant was required to write an essay and submit letters of recommendation from teachers or community leaders.

The following were awarded $2,500 scholarships:

• Shelley Delong of Mexico, MO--Delong was valedictorian of her graduating class, a lifelong 4-H member, outstanding basketball player and member of the homecoming court. She will be attending the University of Missouri and will study pre-med.

• Emily Deaton of Philadelphia, MI--Deaton has been active in 4-H, mission activities and the Mississippi Youth Orchestra. She will be attending Belhaven College and plans to major in pre-law.

• Katy Miklic of Auberry, CA--Miklic was valedictorian of her graduating class and has also been involved in 4-H. She is a California Governor’s Scholar and will be attending Fresno State University to pursue a pre-veterinary degree.

• Jennifer Corey of West Islip, NY--Corey is in the top 5% of her class and is the leader of “Vocal Motion,” the number one show choir in the United States. She is a talented dancer and singer and plans to pursue a music education degree at American University in Washington, D.C.

According to committee member Dwight Graber, the committee had initially planned to award two scholarships of up to $5,000. However, there were five outstanding applicants who deserved special recognition for their accomplishments. “These five young women represent the very best and the absolute cream of the crop. We are so proud of their achievements and wish them success as they continue their educations,” Graber said.

Prior to awarding the scholarships, the committee voted to honor one of its members, Dr. Jose Davila, for his contributions to the committee by naming a scholarship in his honor. “Jose Davila went above and beyond in helping us to make this program a success. His donation of embryo transfers and his help in getting donated stallion breedings really provided us with the kick start we needed for a successful fund-raising campaign. He is a wonderful young man who is truly devoted to helping the children in our association. To me, and to the kids that he has helped, he is a hero,” said Marcia Davis, Youth Committee Chair.

The winner of the Dr. Jose Davila--EquiTransfer Scholarship for 2005 is Lorena Figueroa. Figueroa is the daughter of Luis and Esperanza Figueroa of Davenport, NY. She is an honor student, basketball and soccer player, member of the marching band, and volunteers with Saturday’s Bread, a group that provides meals to the disadvantaged in her community. Figueroa will attend the State University of New York at Oneonta and plans to study international business.

If you are interested in donating to the scholarship fund or would like further information about the program, please contact Marcia Davis at [email protected], Dwight Graber at [email protected] or Sheila Spence at [email protected].

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