For 60 years the Shakespeare Club of Pasadena has been honoring graduating seniors from the Pasadena Unified School District with scholarships for their continuing education. The awards are presented at an annual luncheon and this year’s recipients proved to be an outstanding group of young people. The Club presented the awards to four exceptional graduating seniors, who were nominated for the awards by their counselors, on May 20th at the Shakespeare Club’s Villa on Grand Ave in Pasadena.
The program began with a welcome by Club President, Barbara Sakuma who introduced special guest, Mayor Bill Bogaard. The Mayor shared his “Words of Inspiration†to the group and congratulated the Seniors on their awards. The luncheon was co-chaired by Club Members, Lori Ely and spokesperson for the program of the day, Annette Arce. She introduced John Gundry, Superintendent of the PUSD who offered his congratulations and encouragements to the recipients as well. Annette then invited each of the counselors to the podium to introduce their students and Annette presented them with their awards. Each student spoke of their past accomplishments and shared their plans for college in the fall. Their families and counselors were there among the invited guests to share in the honor of the presentation of the scholarships.
The honored graduating seniors this year are Carlos Valladares, Blair High School – he will be attending Stanford University; Juan Acevedo, John Marshall High School – he will be attending Northridge University; German Fortin, John Muir High School – he will be attending UC Santa Cruz; Marlyn Banuelos, Pasadena High School – she will be attending UC Berkley. Each of these remarkable students will be receiving $2000.00 to aid them in the coming school year. Carlos Valladares delighted guests with a solo from the musical “Fiddler on the Roof†and the program concluded with thanks and remarks from Monica Forgey, Club Philanthropy Chair.
The scholarship funds were made possible by the net proceeds donated by past Shakespeare Club Benefit Productions and the Club’s Annual Fashion Show. The Shakespeare Club offers many social and philanthropic opportunities and they welcome and accept new members year round.
Everyone can help support this group by attending or donating to the up-coming fund-raising event “Forgotten Broadway†to be presented June 6th, 7th, and 8th at the Shakespeare Club Villa (Tickets $25.00) For tickets and reservations or more information please call Pat Huffman 626-818-4927 or Shirley Bone (909) 732-9360.
For more information on the Shakespeare Club Benefits and Membership please visit their website @www.shakespeareclub.org