Saluting SAR 2009 Scholarship Winners

REALTORS^® Give $44,000 in Scholarships
Thirty-six area students received $44,000 in college scholarships from the Sacramento Association of REALTORS^® on June 2.

Over the past five years, SAR has provided more than $200,000 in scholarships for 148 area high school graduates and college students. The funds have been raised through contributions from area REALTORS^® as well as through the sale of bottled water and CFL bulbs in the retail center of the Sacramento Association of REALTORS^®.

The SAR Scholarship Trust was founded 48 years ago to “promote interest in the field of real estate…, and to develop closer relations between the colleges and the real estate profession.” The fund initially provided $100 to $200 scholarships for Sacramento students attending American River Junior College, Sacramento City College, and Sacramento State College (now California State University, Sacramento). It now assists students pursuing real estate, business and a variety of other fields at many different institutions across the United States.

State Secretary of Education Dr. Glen Thomas was the featured speaker at the June 2nd membership meeting and assisted in presenting the scholarships.

This year the Scholarship Trustees received 64 applications, a record number, Scholarship Chair Perry Georgallis says. “These scholarships are even more important in these difficult economic times. While we face a difficult market it is important to remember that an investment in a student’s future is an investment in your own future.”

The 2009 recipients:

Gabriella Baez

Gabriella Baez is a senior at Elk Grove High School. She has been accepted to UC San Diego, UC Berkeley and New York University. Gabriella has maintained a rigorous schedule in high school while taking classes at Cosumnes River College. This fall she will be pursuing her degree in civil/chemical engineering. Gabriella was awarded a $750 scholarship.

Marcus Dela Cruz

Marcus Dela Cruz is senior at Franklin High School and plans to pursue a career as Physician. He has been accepted to Sonoma State University and is the son of SAR Member Louise Dela Cruz. Marcus has maintained his 4.0 GPA while remaining active in sports, volunteering and working. He was awarded a $1500 scholarship.

Pakhtana Hamed

Pakhtana Hamed will be graduating from River City High School. She has been accepted to UC Davis and will be pursuing studies in biochemistry, business and Political Science. In her future career she hopes to make technology more available to developing countries. Pakhtana was awarded a $750 scholarship.

Jordan Holland

Jordan Holland is a senior at Florin High School. He has been accepted to UC Santa Cruz and will be majoring in computer engineering. Jordan participates in school athletics while taking challenging AP courses and is considered a creative and dedicated student by his teachers. He was awarded a $1000 scholarship.

Trevor Plescia

Trevor Plescia is a senior at Jesuit High School. He has been accepted to UCLA where he plans to study medicine and hopes to specialize in cardiology or become a surgeon. Even with his rigorous academic classes Trevor still gives time to his community and other extracurricular activities. He is the nephew of SAR Member Christine Layne. Trevor was awarded a $1500 scholarship.

Govind Kohli is a senior at Laguna Creek High School. He has been accepted to UC Davis. Govind plans to pursue a degree in Business Administration and would one day like to own his own business. He has an excellent academic record and is in the top percentage of his class. Govind was awarded a $1000 scholarship.

Nicholas Terzakis

Nicholas Terzakis is a senior at Rio American High School. He has been accepted to UC Berkeley and UCLA. He will be pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering and is interested in continuing on to medical school. Along with his academic achievements, Nicholas is a musician and a member of the Jazz Band. He was awarded a $1000 scholarship.

Olivia Lessard

Olivia Lessard is a senior at El Camino Fundamental High School. She has been accepted to Brigham Young University. Olivia would like to pursue a career in Real Estate investment. She has a strong academic background that will support her goals. Olivia was awarded a $1000 scholarship.

Ashley Robinson is a senior at Encina High School. She has been accepted to UCLA where she will pursue a medical degree. Ashley has already completed two medical internships, including one as a surgical attendant at Sutter General Hospital. She is an outstanding student who one day plans on starting her own medical practice for low income families. Ashley was awarded the $3000 Eugene L. Williams scholarship.

Alicia Keeler

Alicia Keeler is a senior at Folsom High School. She has been accepted to CSU Chico and Sacramento State. Alicia plans to become a pediatric nurse. She has overcome many obstacles to become an accomplished student. Alicia is the daughter of SAR Member Diane Keeler. She was awarded a $1000 scholarship.

Victoria Payne

Victoria Payne is a senior at Casa Roble Fundamental High School. She has been accepted to UC Davis, UC San Diego, UC Irvine and Cal Poly. Victoria will be majoring in Biomedical Engineering. She is active in school and community activities. Victoria was awarded a $1000 scholarship.

Stewart Poulson

Stewart Poulson is a senior at Casa Roble High School. He will be attending Brigham Young University in the fall and plans on majoring in business management. Stewart has been active in student government throughout high school and is the senior vice president. He was awarded a $750 scholarship.

Christina Dimakides

Christina Dimakides is a senior at Elk Grove High School. She has been accepted to UC Santa Barbara and Cal State Fullerton. Christina is very active in her schools drama program and plans on majoring in theater arts. She was awarded a $1000 scholarship.

Katie Smith is a senior at Folsom High School. She has been accepted to the University of Maryland and Cal Poly. Katie plans to purse a degree in politics and has already gained experience as a U.S. House of Representatives Page. She was awarded a $750 scholarship.

Alison Motor is a senior at Galt High School. She will be attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in the fall. Alison has overcome childhood illness to become an excellent student athlete and hopes to compete in the Olympic Games in Track and Field. She is the daughter of SAR Members Sandra and Robert Motor. Alison was awarded a $1500 scholarship.

Steven Corrigan is a senior at Bella Vista High School and has been accepted to the University of San Diego. He has not declared a major but interested in exploring the fields of business and real estate. Steven has excelled in his academic studies while competing in track and field and basketball. He was awarded a $1000 scholarship.

Thanh Tran

Thanh Tran is a senior at Valley High School. She has been accepted to UC Berkley and plans on a career in the pharmaceutical filed. Thranh is an excellent student who has taken extra courses at Cosumnes River College along with her regular studies. This year Thanh is the recipient of the $2500 Mack Powell scholarship.

Thomas Morford is a senior at Del Campo High School and has been accepted to CSU Chico. He plans of focusing his studies in the area of business finance and business management. Thomas has maintained academic excellence while still participating in student government and water polo. He was awarded a $1500 scholarship.

Fareeha Nawaz

Fareeha Nawaz is a student at Rio Americano High School. She has been accepted to the University of the Pacific’s five year accelerated pharmacy program. Fareeha has already begun her work in the health field in her volunteer activities with the American Cancer Society. She was awarded a $1500 scholarship

Matthew Macdonald is a senior at Jesuit High School and has been accepted at the University of San Francisco, Santa Clara, Cal Poly and others. He will pursue an undergraduate degree in philosophy and then continue on to law school. Matthew has already begun to practice for a law career as a member of the mock trial team for the past four years. This year he is the recipient of the $2500 Kay Georgallis scholarship.

Marissa Thomas

Marissa Thomas is a senior at Franklin High School and has been accepted to San Diego State and UC Irvine. She plans on in majoring in Civil engineering. Marissa has many goals for her career and would like to be a part of building the California High Speed Rail system. She was awarded a $750 scholarship.

Maci Hansen

Maci Hansen is a senior at Galt High School and has been accepted to CSU Chico. She plans to major in kinesiology in preparation of becoming a physical therapist. Maci has maintained her excellent academic standing and continued to participate in student government and other school activities. She was awarded a $750 scholarship.

Cameron Collins is a senior at West Campus High School. He has been accepted at Saint Mary’s College of California, University of the Pacific, Sacramento State and the University of San Francisco. Cameron plans to pursue a career as a secondary school teacher. He has been a mentor with Big brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Sacramento and will continue to help young people as a teacher. Cameron is the nephew of SAR Past President Judy Schoer and was awarded a $1500 scholarship.

Christina Hand is a senior at Loretto High School and has been accepted to UC Santa Cruz. She is an accomplished student who has been active in drama. Christina plans on pursuing a career in Film and Digital Media/ Theater. She is the niece of SAR Director of Communications and Education Judy Wegener. Christina was awarded a $1000 scholarship.

Veronica Manzo is a senior at Franklin High School and has been accepted to UC Berkeley. She plans on pursuing a double major in Biology and Business. Victoria would like to attend medical school and become a pediatrician. Her excellent academic record has prepared her for this challenge. Victoria is the daughter of SAR Member Luis Manzo and was awarded a $1000 scholarship.

Matthew Walsh

Matthew Walsh is a student at Folsom High School. He has been accepted at the University of Southern California and New York University. Matthew would like to purse a career in the music industry in the fields of music technology and production and artist management. He has had a life long love for music and is a member of the nationally recognized jazz choir. Matthew was awarded a $2000 scholarship.

Kevin Crawford is a senior at Christian Brothers High School and has been accepted to UC Davis. He plans on pursuing a medical degree and would like to work with athletes. Kevin is a member of the Senior Class Council and maintains an excellent academic record. He is the son of SAR Member Pam Crawford. Kevin is the recipient of the $2000 Mike Messina Scholarship.

Christina Boakye-Donkor

Christina Boakye-Donkor is a senior at Rio Linda High School and has been accepted at UC Riverside. She will be majoring business and is already attending meetings with various network marketing groups. Christina was awarded a $750 scholarship.

Ian Kozlowski

Ian Kozlowski is a senior at Jesuit High School and has been accepted at Santa Clara University. He has a passion for both business and medicine and plans on receiving his real estate license and working for his paramedic accreditation. Ian is the son of SAR Member Carlos Kozlowski and was awarded a $1000 scholarship.

Sarah Butler

Sarah Butler is a senior at St. Francis High School. She has been accepted to UC San Diego. Sarah will be majoring in Environmental Engineering and would like to work to help preserve the Earths resources. She has maintained a challenging academic schedule and is a member of the varsity water polo team. Sarah is the daughter of SAR member Patrick Butler and was awarded a $1000 scholarship.

Nick Detrick

Nick Detrick is a senior at Elk Grove High School and has been accepted to Southern Methodist University. He would like to pursue a career as a sports agent. Nick is an excellent student and competes in football, track and field and other sports. He is the son of SAR Member Janice Detrick and was awarded a $1000 scholarship.

Kristina Hart

Kristina Hart is a senior at McClatchy High School. She has been accepted to UC Berkeley. Kristina is planning on majoring in environmental studies and having a career in the environmental field. She has a head start on this goal as an intern for the California Environmental Protection Agency. An excellent student, Kristina was awarded a $750 scholarship.

Helen Woo

Helen Woo is a senior at McClatchy High School and has attended elective classes at Sacramento City College for the past two years. She has been accepted to U.C. Berkeley to study in the field of Biochemistry as an aspiring pharmacist. Helen was awarded a $1000 scholarship.

Thomas Chan

Thomas Chan is a senior at McClatchy High School. He participated with the California Scholarship Federation, Key Club, Mathletes, Eco Club and Chinese Culture Club throughout his four high school years. An acceptance into U.C. Berkeley and a strong interest in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology will certainly prepare Thomas for his future as a pharmacist. He was awarded a $1000 scholarship.

Annie Davis

Annie Davis is a senior at McClatchy High School. She has been accepted to U.C. Berkeley and will pursue studies in molecular environmental biology. Annie has been active both academically and in student government and sports. She hopes to use the unlimited possibilities of science to combat the most debilitating of diseases and help those who need it most. Annie was awarded a $1000 scholarship.

Melanie Chu is a senior at McClatchy High School. She has been accepted to UC San Diego and has an interest in studying psychology, biology or international studies. Melanie has participated with such groups as the California Scholarship Federation, Key Club, the Asian Student Union, and the Eco Club. She was awarded a $1000 scholarship.