January 2011 - Simon Family Foundation

Southern California Edition
Volume I, Issue V
The Simon Family
Foundation was established to
facilitate students with difficult
life and economic circumstances in their quests to achieve the
American dream through a
college education. The students
we serve are committed to
achieving personal success
while positively impacting the
lives of others in their communities.
simonfamilyfoundation.net
Inside This Issue:
Letter from the
Executive Director
2
Retreat Aims High!
3
Scholars Gather for
Summer Conference
at Chapman
4-5
Dressing for Success
6
Class of 2012
Inducted at Banquets
7
College Corner
8
January 2011
Ice Skating Warms the Hearts of Scholars at Year-End Party
After four successful banquets
and three amazing retreats, the
Simon Family Foundation Scholars
experienced a wonderful reunion during the
end-of-year celebration at Aliso Viejo Ice
Palace on December
23rd. Scholars bonded with talk of recent retreat experiences, enjoyed a hot,
delicious meal, and learned a new game, Broomball!
For many scholars, ice skating was a new experience. “One Scholar asked me if it was real ice out
there!” Joanna Mueller, Oceanside Program Coordinator, said with a smile. Some Scholars held tight to
the rail as they stepped onto the ice
with their thin blades, but then a
more seasoned Scholar would approach to lend a hand, and soon
many were gliding around the rink.
Scholar Steven Lopez said that “ice
skating was one of the most memorable moments of my life. Like eve-
ry beginner, I was stumbling around to find my
balance, but in the end I
was zooming around the
rink!” He said the feeling
of gliding over the ice, being free, and the air pushing against him as he circled the ring made it an
evening he would never
forget.
The festivities ended
with a sparkling cider
“Toast for Change,”
where Scholars made
New Year’s resolutions
and promised to help
one another reach for
the stars in 2011. Each
student received a goodie bag, compliments of
Dr. Abels, who was unable to attend the event,
but was definitely there in spirit!
SCHOLARS ENCOURAGED TO DREAM BIG AT
MOUNT PALOMAR!
“Unbelievable,” “inspiring,” “loving” and “life
“decoration” – or lack thereof - represented
changing” were just a few of the adjectives Simon their simplicity, technicality and non-creative
Scholars used to describe
side. Other students like
the three Fall Leadership
Adelaida Velasquez, Anne
Retreats that took place in
Tran, Lidia Hernandez
November and December at
and Diane Doan created
Mount Palomar. It seems
masterpieces that includthat none of the students
ed a poem and beautiful
could imagine what was
picture of the seasons –
actually in store for them
Winter representing the
over the two-day retreat
new scholars, the Class of
experience.
2012, and Spring picturing the older scholars, the
The Conference started with students decorating Class of 2011. The group explained how they
their room number signs, encouraged to use crea- were bound together by an endless river that
represented their friendship.
tivity and imagination. Thompson Nguyen and
(cont. on Pg. 3)
Brandon Le from Oceanside explained that their
Volume 1, Issue V
Page 2
A Letter from the Executive Director
To everyone in the Simon Family Foundation Community: It’s hard to believe that
we’ve taken yet another trip around the
sun and that 2011 is upon us! On behalf of
the entire staff and Board of Directors, I
wish each of you a happy, healthy and
productive New Year. As I reflect on the
happenings of this past year, I am deeply
touched by the outpouring of support for
our Simon Scholars from so many different
individuals in the Southern California region. To the school district personnel that
work with our Scholars on a daily basis
and to the many professionals in the community who have given their time, expertise and services to enhance the lives and
educational experiences of our scholarship
recipients, I am so appreciative. There is
nothing more rewarding than having the
opportunity to witness young lives being
changed on a daily basis as the result of
interactions with caring, loving and committed adults. Watching our Scholars grow
academically and interpersonally as they
strive to achieve their dreams has helped
us to remain optimistic about the future of
this world in the face of difficult economic
times and global human suffering I
thank each and every one of you who has
made a contribution in some
way; you are truly helping to
make this world a better
place.
As we move into the
months ahead, my staff and I
are looking forward to creating further enhancements to
the Simon Scholars Program. In the social
networking arena, we have recently redesigned our website
www.simonfamilyfoundation.net, creating a
more visually attractive and user-friendly
platform. Please visit the site’s new and
improved Photo Gallery that captures colorful highlights from each of our Scholar
events! We have also recently introduced
our own Facebook Page for general public
viewing, a powerful vehicle for encouraging
increased communication and networking
amongst our ever-growing family of Scholars. It’s also a great way to keep the community involved, and we encourage you to
share our site with anyone interested in our
Simon Scholars Program.
As an additional focus this year, we are
looking towards developing our Mentoring
Program, with the ultimate long-term goal
of having each of our incoming Simon Schol-
ars (60 per year) paired with a professional in his/her community who can lend
support, insight , cultural exposure and
networking opportunities. While the development of this program has proven to
be an intricate and involved process,
please let us know if you might be interested in serving as a mentor to one of our
Scholars in the future.
I also want to make special mention of
our Simon Scholar College Students and
College Graduates. We are all so very
proud of your accomplishments thus far
and strongly encourage you to stay involved with our family of Simon Scholars
whether through attending Foundationsponsored events or acting as chaperones,
tutors and/or mentors to our current high
school students. Your experience, insight
and compassion are greatly appreciated by
all.
Once again, best wishes for another
successful “trip around the sun” in 2011.
We look forward to sharing more stories
of friendship and triumph as the year progresses.
Yours,
Dr. Kathy Simon Abels
THE MACBOOKS FINALLY ARRIVE!
Students gathered in anticipation—the
day they had long
been waiting for was
finally here! Today
was the day when
the Class of 2012
would receive their
very own MacBook laptop from the Simon
Family Foundation.
For many of the Simon Scholars, this is
their very first personal computer. “I’ve
always had to share one laptop with my
entire family,” Raul Mora said, “but now
that I have my own, I’m happy knowing it
will be easier to do my homework.”
The Simon Family Foundation is proud to
have technologically-savvy students who
will take full advantage of their new computers. Linda Fra“I have been counting down the days un- ser, Program Administrator, cautioned each of the students
til today!” Jenny Katekintha said with a
on caring for
smile. The orientation included instruc- their new Macs.
tions on basic care and use of their new
“It is hoped that
laptops, internet safety, and guidance on these will last
composing business correspondence and you through 2
observing proper etiquette when responding to emails.
years of high
school and 4
years of college.
Cynthia Neyra, College Advisor, noted
Treat it with
how the “students were able to learn the
tender loving
basics and navigate their Macs like procare!” she adfessionals in no time.”
vised them.
Volume I, Issue V
Page 3
Mount Palomar Retreats Aim High!!! (Continued from Page 1)
When the conference got going, the
Scholars participated in a number of
activities that pushed them to be leaders and open themselves up to others.
For many, this meant stepping out of
their comfort zone and trusting in the
support of fellow Scholars. Conference
Facilitators, Justin Boudreau and Patrick Combs, Aileen Socrates and Greg
Nakashima of Gear Up for Excellence,
encouraged
students
to write
down
their
goals and evaluate how they were
living their lives. Students were also
pushed to showcase their talents and/
or act out their
feelings
through meaningful skits. In
addition to the
emotional activities, everyone participated in outdoor activities
write down the #1 obstacle stopping
them from achieving their dream. Students then
broke through
the boards or
arrows, symbolizing
breaking
through their
own barriers
and fears. Both
experiences
were challenging, but they
represented the
persistence that
Simon Scholars
possess to enable them to overcome
whatever
challenges life
may throw at
them. Megan
Barnes, OC
Program Director, noted
that “Not one
student
was unable to
break the
board or
arrow!”
Oceanside
Scholar Joe
Mejia said the weekend was “amazing
and unforgettable.” Santa Ana USD Scholar Jonathan Espinoza said that the
that included taking aim at the archery “Palomar Retreat gave me a chance to
range and gazing at the stars during the leave everything behind, to forget everybreathtaking night hike.
thing, every worry and stress, and to
simply let myself take a breath of fresh
At the
air, lose myself in who I am, and spend
conclutime with
sion of
those who
the
share a
event,
struggle
Scholars
that you
were
have gone
given
through in
either a
your life.”
piece of wood or an arrow and told to
All in all,
the Fall Retreats
were a huge success!
Each event brought
the Simon Scholars
closer together and
enhanced friendships. Megan
Barnes, Program Director, commented that these Retreats could be described as nothing less than
“magical.”
Volume
1, Issue
V V
Volume
1, Issue
Page 4
CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY HOSTS
More than 110 Simon Scholars
gathered from four school districts in Southern California to
take part in the Simon Family
Foundation’s annual Summer Conference at Chapman University.
The goal of the August conference
was to provide a bonding experience for the students and to enhance their feelings of selfconfidence and self-esteem, while
at the same time providing three
exciting days of fun!
Joanna Mueller, Oceanside Program
Coordinator, led students in a series
of ice breakers, which included
newspaper volleyball and a game
called “Who Am I?” Students
laughed and giggled while each of
them tried to figure out the famous
character they represented by asking questions.
The Conference was facilitated by
members of the Foundation. Each
Scholar went through a series of
rotations. Megan Barnes, OC ProAfter registering and getting set- gram Director, led a dance class for
tled into their dorm rooms, stuthe students. While it was obvious
dents gathered in Argyros Forum. at the beginning that many had fear
and trepidation about stepping out
on the dance floor, it was rated as
one of the overall top events of the
entire program. Who knew the
dance moves that some of them
brought to the fore? Ruby Mejia, a
Junior at Segerstrom H.S., said the
“dancing was the hardest part of the
Conference for me, because I’m not
an awesome dancer, but I still had
fun.”
Mrs. Mueller and Dr. Abels led
students through a community
service project, in which Scholars hand-painted ceramic tiles
that will be used to beautify either a trash receptacle or barbecue pit and then donated to a city
park. It was amazing to see the
variety of ideas and colors the
students captured on their individual pieces of art. The themes
ranged from love and peace to
joy and sharing, and, of course,
to the importance of family and
how the Simon Foundation has
become part of theirs.
Bob Mueller, Assistant Principal
at Oceanside High School, generously volunteered his time to
facilitate a Communications session, in which students were given words to convey through facial gestures and body language.
It’s amazing what you can learn
about someone without their
having said a word! Jessica Jarrett of El Camino H.S. said, “it felt
good to get out of my comfort
Page 5
Volume I, Issue V
THE 2010 SUMMER CONFERENCE
zone and learn to communicate with help us in the future with business
people.”
meetings.”
Cynthia Neyra, College Advisor, presented “Global Awareness,” a rotation in which the students learned
the importance of water conservation and preservation of the
earth’s precious
resources.
Stepping outside to the football field, the
Scholars got a first-hand demonstration of what it is like for millions in
Third World countries who daily try
to transport clean drinking water
from Point A to Point B. Many
laughs were enjoyed as Scholars
were soaked by
spilled water during the simulation, but the students also saw the seriousness of the
effort involved. “I love to learn
about the planet and how to keep it
clean” Scholar Diana Espinoza said
afterward.
A financial workshop presented by
Vince Shorb of the National Financial Educators Council provided a
“real life” perspective on budgeting.
Students visited booths that represented housing, transportation, college tuition, giving back, etc., and
were challenged to made tough decisions about how to spend their
income. “It was an eye-popping and
shocking experience” Anaheim
Scholar Michelle Alonso noted.
For Segerstrom H.S.
Scholar Jonathan Espinoza, a
highlight of
the Conference was Mr. Ron Simon’s appearance on Day 2. Mr.
Simon spoke briefly to the students,
encouraging them to persevere in
the face of difficulties. He expressed his admiration for each of
them, as they continue facing adversity with courage and determination. At the conclusion, many stuThe event at Chapman dents experienced an emotional
also included an etimoment as they shook his hand and
quette lesson and mul- personally thanked him.
ti-course dinner, in
which the Scholars
The Conference concluded with
learned the proper
Rueben Martinez, Owner of Libreria
utensils to use when dining, how to
Martinez
make conversation and prepare
Books in
themselves for the Awards Banquet
Santa Ana
that would soon foland a Presilow. Kathryn Ngo of
dential FelRancho Alamitos H.S.
low at Chapsaid that learning
man Univerproper table mansity, speaking to the group, encourners is a valuable
aging them to never give up on their
experience “that will dreams. “Life is an adventure,” he
said. “Look at the things that
are happening to me at my
age. I’m walking around
Chapman, and people are calling me Dr. Martinez, Professor
Martinez—I
was
lucky to
finish
high
school!
At the end of the Conference,
the students reluctantly said
goodbye. The bonding and
friendships made over the
course of three days would
stay with them long after the
Conference was over...until
the next time their family of
Simon Scholars would come
together again.
Page 6
Volume 1, Issue V
OUR LADIES AND GENTLEMEN DRESS FOR SUCCESS!
The Simon Scholars Working Wardrobes event has become an annual highlight of the
Simon Scholars Program. On
this extraordinary day, all Junior
Scholars
are treated
to new business attire
and accessories. Girls spend the
morning getting their hair and
makeup done, while the boys receive haircuts and instruction in
tying their new ties! Megan
Barnes, Orange County
Program Director, explained,
“The Scholars
seem to transform during this event. It is one of
the first calendar events in our Program, and it is designed to get our Scholars ready for their upcoming
Awards Banquets.”
Students
come to the
event sleepyeyed, dressed
in t-shirts and
jeans, with
their hair in
the style
left over
from the
night before. By
day’s end,
the students transform into leaders of tomorrow – girls dressed in business
suits, dresses, or skirts, accessorized with high-heeled shoes, jewelry and a new purse. The boys
look ready for the business world,
dressed in suits and paired with shirts
and ties that match their personality.
The highlight of the day is when all
the Scholars take to the catwalk to
display their
newfound confidence and stunning clothes. Truly, the Working Wardrobes experience is a
day that will be remembered
for a lifetime!
OCEANSIDE SCHOLARS PRACTICE GIVING BACK
For the second year in a row,
Oceanside Scholars stormed their
local Target store in search of
gifts and goodies for families in
need this Christmas. Scholars
shopped for three families who
have children receiving cancer
treatment at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego. Scholar
Eric Chatman enjoyed picking out toys and clothes for the
children on his list. “It made me feel good to give back to
the community,” he said. After purchasing their treasures,
Scholars were once again welcomed
at Denny’s Restaurant where they
wrapped and boxed the gifts for the
trip to San Diego and then enjoyed
socializing over dessert and plenty
of laughter. Thompson Nguyen
summed up the night when he said, “Although we continue to struggle through adversity,
the Christmas Angels project reminds us of how fortunate we are to
have great
opportunities. It
feels great knowing that I am instilling the joyous spirit into others,
and the experience of doing so is the
best gift I have received this holiday
season. “ Steven Lopez said that “Even though the children might not know that we
gave them presents for Christmas, the fact that we were able to
give them joy is a gift to me.”
Volume I, Issue V
Page 7
CLASS OF 2012 SIMON SCHOLARS HONORED AT AWARDS BANQUETS
Across four amazing nights, 62 new scholars were welcomed into the
Simon Family Foundation! With a grand total of over 500 in attendance at the Awards Banquets, the Class of 2012 Scholars was
shown overwhelming support from family members and VIP’s, including Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido and State Senator Lou Correa.
Scholars received certificates officially inducting them into the Simon
Family Foundation and awarding them a $16,000 college scholarship.
and crying. Amanda Hernandez shared her personal pain about being
separated from her brothers and placed in foster
care. She then thanked
her foster parents, who
recently adopted her. “I
am proud to say my name
Dr. Kathy Simon Abels, SFF Executive Director, attended and preis now Amanda HernanSanta Ana USD Class of 2012
sented at each banquet, personally congratulating each new Scholar. dez” she announced.
Hosting individual banquets for each of our four school districts alPedro Vidales shared the
lowed precious time for each Scholar to share his or her personal
horror of finding out that his mother had cancer and the intense pain of
story of struggle and adversity,.
losing her two years ago. Mayor Miguel Pulido expressed his gratitude
Anaheim UHSD’s inaugural class for hearing from each Scholar and awarded Dr. Abels a beautiful certifenjoyed the intimate setting of The icate in recognition of all that the Simon Family Foundation does to
Hacienda in Santa Ana. A highhelp the community of Santa Ana.
light of the evening was hearing
from each of the 10 Anaheim
Last, but certainly not least, Garden Grove Scholars brought down the
Scholars. Scholar Edwin Herhouse at the Costa Mesa Hilton with their heartfelt stories of persevernandez shared the pain of broken ance and gratitude. Speaking in his native Egyptian tongue, Morcos
Mayor Pulido presents
relationships. “The Simon ScholHanna thanked his parAward to Dr. Kathy Abels arship means the world to me,”
ents for making huge
from the City of Santa Ana Edwin said. “It shows me that my
sacrifices in coming to
hard work isn’t taken for granted.”
America. He promised to
Ruby Rodriquez described the spark in her father’s eye when he
use what he learns in the
learned his daughter had received the scholarship. “It was worth all
program in giving back to
the work,” she said. “When my father congratulates me, it’s a whole
family and friends.
different story.” Principal Ben Sanchez shared his excitement , offiKathryn Ngo spoke
cially welcoming each of the 10 into a family of Scholars.
about overcoming the
instability of constant
The Oceanside USD welcomed its 2nd class of Simon Scholars at
evictions, shelters, and
Garden Grove USD Class of 2012
the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort. Guests were moved by Scholar sto14 different schools in 10
ries of perseverance in the face of amazing adversity. Rodrigo Mar- years. “All the difficulties I faced made me realize that giving up is
tinez immigrated to America at age 12 without his parents and not
never an option.”
knowing a single word of English, “Learning the language in a very
short time, and getting this scholarship are what I consider to be my Simon Scholars of the Year in each District received special recognition
greatest accomplishments,” he said. Kim Meyer shared her deter- for performing above and beyond Foundation expectations in citizenmination to succeed even in the midst of neglect. “I refuse to take
ship, character and leadership. This year’s recipients of this prestigthe path that was laid
ious award are Luis Garcia (Santa Ana USD), David Hernandez
out before me, and
(Garden Grove USD) and Micki Smith from Oceanside USD.
instead will create my
own,” she said. SuperFoundation benefactor,
intendant Larry PeronMr. Ron Simon, was on
di encouraged the
hand in Garden Grove to
Scholars not to waste
address the Scholars.
one of the 525,600
He stated that each of
minutes they have over
their individual stories
the course of the comwere “his inspiration” and
ing year.
encouraged everyone in
Anaheim Union High School
the audience to share in
Class of 2012
The Santa Ana USD
the personal achieveAwards Banquet was
ments of each Scholar in
Oceanside USD Class of 2012
also held at The Hacienda. Incredible stories left supporters laughing the days to come.
Page 8
Volume 1, Issue V
COLLEGE SPOTLIGHT
When Zoila Garcia (Century High School 2008) and
even met two close friends with backgrounds similar to
Janet Tulafono (Rancho Alamitos
mine.”
2010) boarded their respective
Both of the girls felt right at home in
SIMON FAMILY planes to Texas, each had no idea
no time since they found everyone
what
to
expect.
Neither
had
ever
to be friendly and welcoming. Janet,
FOUNDATION
visited the Lone Star State, much
an Education major, spends her
less their new home at Texas Luweekends with friends in downtown
theran University. Finding comfort
San Antonio, attending school activiin each other as fellow Simon
ties and doing her laundry at her
Scholars, Janet and Zoila initially
roommate’s house. Zoila, a Psycholrelied heavily on each other. Zoila
ogy major, stays busy running on the
had never been on an airplane,
track team and attending all Sport
901 Calle Amanecer, #160
Janet Tulafono, left, and
while
Janet
had
never
been
on
a
functions. They are both excelling
San Clemente, CA 92673
Zoila Garcia
college campus. Thinking back on
in their classes and have had the
their
flights
and
the
first
couple
of
weeks
on
campus,
opportunity
to
get
to
know their professors. “I love my
Phone: 949.373.3500
they laugh because of how nervous they were. “I did- professors and I love knowing that they know and care
n’t think I was going to fit in because it was a private
about me as an individual,” Janet
Fax: 949.373.3531
school,” Zoila recalled, “and I thought that I wouldn’t
said. The Simon Family Foundation
E-mail: Editor
be able to relate to most of the students. But I was
has the utmost of confidence in
[email protected] wrong and I see there is so much diversity and have
their ability to succeed!
Halloween Party Rocks Oceanside!
“Achieving What
Others Believe To
Be Impossible”
Oceanside High
School’s multi-purpose
room was filled with
cavewomen, vampires,
fairies, cats and folks
from times past as
Scholars celebrated Halloween and Dia delos
Muertos on October 23rd. Families of the Scholars were invited to share in the celebration,
which included pumpkin carving, sugar skull
painting and mummy wrapping! For some
Scholars, the evening included introductions to
cultural traditions. “When the Scholars asked
me to put this together,” Joanna Mueller, Pro-
gram Coordinator, said, “I
never thought it would be
such a learning experience!” Rosa Vargas eagerly carved her first pumpkin, creating a masterpiece she proudly carried home, and Jordyn Brinkley carefully painted her first sugar skull to honor deceased family members. Stephanie Contreras
summed up the evening
for everyone by saying,
“All of our Simon Scholar
events rock!”
2009 SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDER OF THE YEAR PRESENTS AT NSPA
As last year’s recipient of the National Scholarship Provider’s Association of the
Year Award, the Simon Family Foundation was invited to speak at its annual Conference in Denver, CO. Foundation staff members Dr. Kathy Abels, Megan Barnes,
Joanna Mueller, Cynthia Neyra and Ed Abels packed their winter coats and traveled
to the Omni Interlocken Resort in Broomfield, Colorado. Speaking to a packed audiwww.simonfamilyfoundation.net
ence of enthusiastic conference participants, the SFF entitled their presentation
“Challenges & Risks Facing the First Generation College Student: Strategies of a
Unique Early Intervention Scholarship Program.” In addition to conducting this
very successful workshop, the staff had the opportunity to attend presentations given by scholarship providers
from all types of organizations including universities, philanthropic foundations and corporate entities.
Another highlight of the week was spending time with Lisa Rumbaugh and Kimberly
Keilbach from the Simon Foundation for Education & Housing, and Mike Ammerman,
Program Director for the Simon Scholars Program in New Mexico. Overall, the conference provided the staff of the Simon Family Foundation with valuable networking opportunities and a wealth of new ideas and information that will be useful in enhancing
its programs.