Scholarship Highlights

Vinny Risler

Vinny Risler, a recipient of the Mitsubishi Cement Corporation Educational Foundation scholarship, is preparing to attend the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia in August of this year.

Vinny’s journey began when he was attending Lucerne Valley High School and he decided to follow in his mother’s footsteps and go into the nursing field. “My mother, who has been a nurse for over 30 years, recommended pursuing nursing as there are many different career opportunities within the profession. I am very glad I did because nursing itself is an amazing and rewarding career,” he stated. Vinny attended UCLA and after graduation, worked as an RN in the ICU at Torrance Memorial Medical Center. He then went on to work at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in their Cardiac Surgical ICU.

He had a vision of where he wanted to be after high school and did everything he could to make that vision a reality. “My advice to current students thinking of applying to college is to apply for as many scholarships as possible. I also strongly encourage LVHS students to visualize a dream and pursue it. I am currently living my dream because I took advantage of the support and resources offered to me at LVHS and I strongly believe everyone at the school can
too.” advised Vinny.

The Mitsubishi Cement Corporation Educational Foundation encourages all Lucerne Valley High School seniors who are pursuing higher education in the sciences or planning to attend a trade school, to apply for the scholarship

Destynie Urrutia

Lucerne Valley High School Alumna, Destynie Urrutia, is preparing to enter her fourth year of school at California State University, Chico, majoring in Kinesiology with an expected graduation date of Spring 2020.

Despite being a full-time student, Destynie finds satisfaction in volunteering at the University’s clinic. “My volunteer work involves physical and occupational therapy for patients who have lost motor development due to injury. My job is to get them moving by utilizing different exercise equipment and various physical therapy activities. Seeing progress from my patients is one of the most rewarding things to see.”

With the rising cost of college tuition, students can’t afford to not apply for scholarships. Destynie stated, “I would encourage every Lucerne Valley High senior to apply for this scholarship. It has given me the opportunity to further my studies and learn which career path is right for me.”

Mitsubishi Cement Corporation Educational Foundation is proud to invest in the future of Lucerne Valley students. We wish Destynie much luck in the next school year!

Akira Ogawa

Congratulations to Akira Ogawa on being awarded the Bud Biggs Scholarship. The Bud Biggs Scholarship is awarded to students who go above and beyond in both the classroom and the community.

Ogawa graduated first in his class and is planning on attending the aviation program at Victor Valley College to pursue a career in aviation maintenance. Not only did Ogawa demonstrate academic excellence, but he also served as a translator for Japanese exchange students, played varsity basketball and baseball, was involved in FFA, yearbook, music, and a variety of other programs and activities.

We look forward to following Akira’s progress!