California Association of Winegrape Growers Foundation has awarded $39,000 in college scholarships to eight students, including four in the North Bay, whose parent or guardian works for a grower in the state.
Two of the local students received $8,000 each for four-year institutions. Santa Rosa High School senior Alejandro Jarquin plans to attend UC Berkeley to study computer science and software development. A first-generation college student, Jarquin cofounded his school’s Coding Club and founded its Robotics Club. He also volunteered with Council on Aging and LandPaths while earning a 4.75 GPA and ranking third in his graduating class.
Napa High School’s Tania Navarrete Rios will also attend UC Berkeley, where she plans to study civil engineering. Inspired by infrastructure challenges faced by her family’s hometown in Oaxaca, Mexico, she hopes to develop sustainable projects in underserved communities. Navarrete Rios earned a 4.5 GPA, ranks first in a class of 365 students and served as captain of her varsity cross country team.
Two received $2,000 each for community colleges. Elsie Allen High School graduate Jimena Espinoza Ceja plans to attend Santa Rosa Junior College to pursue radiology. The first-generation college student earned a 4.27 GPA and participated in several student organizations and a certified nursing assistant program.
Clear Lake High School graduate Giselle Torres Gonzalez will attend Mendocino College to study allied health and become a radiology technician. She served as a cheer captain and held leadership roles in several campus clubs.
Other scholarship recipients include Hector Rendon of San Miguel, Luis Ruelas Ramirez of Placerville, Cristal Gonzalez Abundis of Riverdale and $1,000 Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship recipient Logan Rose of Lodi.