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Carol Kimmelman Memorial Scholarship

Celebrating All-Stars of Grit, Heart, & Purpose

Carol, a K-12 educator, always said her kids were born on third base sliding into home, and that the students she taught in South Central Los Angeles, who were equally deserving, smart, and hard-working, could go their entire lives without getting a chance at bat. Now they can hopefully hit a home run.

To honor the memory of Mrs. Carol Kimmelman, we're delighted to introduce several of our exemplary college-bound scholarship recipients who exude the drive and talents Carol would love and admire.

Salma P.

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Omar H.

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Kehila M.

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Edward R.

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Carolina H.

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Simon T.

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Somadina E.

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Kenly C.

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Albert T.

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Alisia A.

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Erick H.

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Amanda D.

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ShaLisa P.

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Pedro N.

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Joselin M.

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Gisella D.

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Julieta S.

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Mickiyah P.

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Makayla J.

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Meron T.

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Mohamed A.

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Rae R.

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Kamil V.

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Thaily V.

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Salma P.

Salma Pulgarin, who will be attending the University of California at San Diego in the Fall, impressed the scholarship committee in many ways, not the least of which is her dedication to community-building. A first generation college student, Salma graduated with a 4.32 GPA and aims to major in Public Health. She writes, “I plan on utilizing my education to help communities all over the world fight for their needs and advocate for themselves.” Additionally, Salma found time to volunteer extensively during high school. One of her more memorable experiences came on a leadership adventure to Costa Rica, where she worked on ocean conservation and reforestation.

Omar H.

Knowing his mother’s cancer could have been diagnosed earlier had she been in the United States instead of Egypt forced Omar to confront uncomfortable truths about equal access to health care. Now, on the cusp of attending the University of Pennsylvania, Omar is eager to pursue an education that will prepare him for leadership opportunities in the complex world of healthcare policy. His ultimate goal is to help level the playing field -- both in the United States and around the globe.

Kehila M.

Many people go their entire lives without finding their purpose. Kehila discovered hers when she witnessed a horrific act of child abuse at a gas station one summer as a teenager. Since then, Kehila has been laser-focused on pursuing a career in criminal justice and raising awareness of human trafficking in the San Diego area. Now set to begin her college career at San Diego State University, Kehila is eager to take her activism and education to a new level with hopes of engaging a global population.

Edward R.

Edward Ramirez, who plans to attend Georgetown in the fall and major in Business, writes that one of his biggest challenges during high school was finding the strength to stay true to his heritage. In his scholarship application, Edward recalls tough conversations with his “macho” father that challenged the idea that he could be both gay and Mexican. Through strength of character, Edward came to cultivate his own identity as a proud gay man while understanding from where his father’s point of view comes. “I choose to educate those who disagree with me, all while showing respect for what they were raised to think like generations of men before them.” Academically, Edward truly excelled in high school, graduating ninth in his class with a 4.1 GPA. We have no doubt that trend will continue.

Carolina H.

Carolina Herrera was born in Montevideo, Uruguay and came to the United States as a young child. She will attend the University of Pennsylvania in the fall, where she plans to pursue a major in Criminology. During her high school career, Carolina distinguished herself with exemplary grades (4.6610 GPA), AP classes, and standardized test scores. Additionally, Carolina worked 16 hours a week at Starbucks and played for her school golf team all four years. It was on the golf course that Carolina learned a valuable life lesson about perseverance. “Practice, time, and patience are all integral parts of success,” she writes. “I must have the patience and courage to grab a nine iron and hit a few hundred balls before I see a change in my swing.”

Simon T.

Set to graduate first in his class and to start at Yale University in the fall, Simon clearly understands the value of hard work. But like most born leaders, Simon is quick to give thanks to others for his own accomplishments. Simon credits his highly diverse Houston neighborhood for exposing him to a variety of cultures and ideas and his extended family for giving him a sense of belonging as a minority. With a level of maturity far beyond his years, Simon brings a deep amount of sympathy and heightened social consciousness to his understanding of the world.

Somadina E.

Most people never realize that other people’s opinions don’t matter. However, Somadina learned that bit of wisdom early. Raised in Nigeria until he was 14, Somadina and his family came to the United States after getting a much-coveted visa. Somadina’s transition to American culture wasn’t always smooth. He writes that classmates often called him Simba, a reference to “The Lion King.” While the word – and the discrimination it implied – stung Somadina, it also helped to spark an inner strength he still carries with him today. After enduring grave poverty, missing a year of school, and facing discrimination, he learned that only he determines who he is. He put that philosophy in action to graduate in the top of his class. Somadina will study at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, one of the nation’s top-ranked engineering schools.

Kenly C.

Even in the midst of growing up, Kenly knew her childhood wasn’t typical. The screams, accusations, and fights between her parents were impossible to ignore. Following her father’s departure, Kenly learned firsthand from her mother and grandmother about the importance of independence and stability. Now, years later and with an admission letter from Vanderbilt University, Kenly hopes to honor her elders by becoming a special education teacher who uses her experiences to inspire others to never settle.

Albert T.

Albert Tran, who will be attending UC Berkeley in the Fall, impressed the scholarship selection committee with the hundreds of hours he committed to programs for pediatric trauma and low-income families. He developed literacy programs for youth at the Orange County Library and even earned the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for his exceptional commitment to community needs. A volleyball player himself, Albert served as the first student coach for the girls’ volleyball team for three years. He interned in neurobiology and oncology research labs and earned an impressive 33 on his ACT. Albert won the hearts of the scholarship panelists with his essays about discovery of purpose in helping others achieve their potential, utilization of origami both as a release from chaos and as a gateway to friendship, and a deep appreciation for cultures.

Alisia A.

Distinguished for her academic accolades and commitment to her school, Alisia Auguste will grace Notre Dame with her presence this Fall. Earning a full ride scholarship, Alisia is excited to study pre-law with a minor in urban studies. Her commitment above all else is to use her voice to impact and influence change in urban communities to stop gun violence. While she agrees that fear has no place in schools, she also challenges her community to ask if fear has a place in her neighborhood – where memorials for lives lost are as common as stop signs. Alisia will no doubt continue in her pursuit to positively impact her community.

Erick H.

Erick Ho, who will attend UC Irvine in the Fall, demonstrated a passion for neuroscience and committed hundreds of hours of volunteer work with Boy Scouts of America. He worked 20-30 hours per week during school while maintaining academic excellence and participating in other activities. He was recognized as Student of the Year in Choir and named MVP of his high school’s basketball team after the team won its first league championship. He also demonstrated leadership as the broadcast producer for his school’s ASB. With all of these commitments, he also earned an impressive 1500 on his SAT, putting him in the top 1% of test takers. He impressed the scholarship panel with his personal stories about his burgeoning interest in cinematography, exceptional commitment to Hurricane Harvey victims, and his connection to the values of being an Eagle Scout, an honor afforded to only 5% of Boy Scouts.

Amanda D.

After earning recognition for perfect attendance throughout high school, there is no doubt that Amanda Franks-Dixon will not miss a class throughout her time at Syracuse. Amanda distinguishes herself with many talents from crochet to baking pastries to advocating for at-risk infants who’ve been abused or neglected. She spent her summers working at a community day care, where she not only enjoyed providing child care services but also discovered her passion for psychology to help kids who are victims of abuse. Amanda will without-a-doubt achieve her goal of becoming a clinical psychologist. At-risk children will have brighter futures because of her commitment to them.

ShaLisa P.

Look around a crowded room – each and every person you see is facing a challenge. For ShaLisa, that challenge came in the form of a serious health scare, endured by her mom. ShaLisa compares the experience of caring for her mother while working to do her best in school to trying to keep a full glass of water from spilling during an obstacle course. It’s impossible, of course. Water spills. But through the experience, ShaLisa - who was valedictorian of her class - learned the importance of caring for herself and remaining calm when life is at its most stressful. She’ll have the opportunity to put that philosophy into action this fall, when she attends The College of New Jersey, located near her family.

Pedro N.

Pedro Navarro, who will attend Duke University in the fall and major in engineering, graduated high school with an impressive 4.08 GPA while also working at a restaurant, planning religious fundraisers, and serving as a mentor to teens interested in Catholicism. The scholarship committee found Pedro’s personal essay, in which he recalls first learning that he was not an American citizen, especially powerful. “That’s when it finally hit me,” he writes. “Everything I did could impact me... I allowed myself to fall into fear.” Now, years later, Pedro is a legal resident of the United States, and off to an elite college where he hopes to inspire others who fear they don’t have options.

Joselin M.

As a child in Guatemala, Joselin didn’t understand that not everyone receives the same kind of care when they’re sick. A harrowing experience drove home that hard truth in a way that changed her life. As an eight-year-old, she was given medicine for her nausea from a pharmacy. Hours later, she was paralyzed, unable to move a muscle. Fortunately, her parents could afford to take her to the hospital. If that hadn’t been the case or if she’d had a bit more of the medicine, she would surely have died. “I often think of the kids who had that extra tablespoon,” the salutatorian writes. This experience inspired Joselin to enter the field of public health, so she can make a change and harness her power to transform access to health care. Joselin will attend Mount Holyoke College in the fall to pursue that dream.

Gisella D.

Gisella Dircio, an incoming student at the University of California at Berkeley, can boast of many accomplishments, including a 4.24 weighted GPA and excellence across a variety of volunteer opportunities and out-of-classroom activities. Hailing from a predominately Mexican community in San Diego, Gisella writes that she’s become more aware of the perils of gentrification and how it is impacting her home neighborhood. To help bring awareness to the issue, Gisella spoke to people in her community and created a video featuring interviews with residents affected by rising rents. “We can keep our homes and culture if we inform others,” Gisella writes.

Julieta S.

This fall, San Diego resident Julieta Soto will travel north to attend the University of California at Berkeley. Graduating high school with a 4.39 weighted GPA, Julieta plans to pursue a career in journalism, thanks in large part to her participation in a summer journalism program at Princeton University, where she worked closely with honed journalists. Julieta also found time to volunteer at the Barrio Logan College Institute, a program she herself once attended. Wherever her future takes her, we’re sure that giving back and paying it forward are habits she’ll continue to embrace.

Mickiyah P.

Mickiyah Pope is the epitome of a passionate, dedicated young woman. Earning summa cum laude distinction and multiple leadership awards, Mickiyah shows her peers that it’s possible to excel both inside and outside the classroom. She actively volunteers at a local homeless shelter for those living with HIV/AIDS; she is the president and founder of her school’s Gay Straight Alliance; and she is the cymbal section leader for drumline. Mickiyah keeps herself busy during summers with financial advisor internships at TD Ameritrade and as an educational assistant at a middle school. We have no doubt Mickiyah will continue to be a scholar and a leader when she starts at Mt. Holyoke this Fall.

Makayla J.

Makayla Jeffries knows that meaning doesn’t come from complacency; it comes from being remarkable, which is exactly what she is. With a packed schedule in Buddhist youth groups, school government, track and field, and fencing, Makayla also surprisingly finds time to excel in her advanced coursework and contribute to her community by mentoring youth at leadership academies and poet societies. She also kept herself busy in summers with engineering camps and fundraising activities for a nonprofit that provides feminine hygiene products and bras for women in homeless and domestic violence shelters. Georgetown is lucky to have Makayla on its campus this Fall, where she will no doubt achieve her goal to earn a doctorate in clinical psychology.

Meron T.

Meron Teklu, who graduated high school with an overall weighted GPA of 4.36, plans to attend Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore this fall. A first generation Ethiopian American, Meron writes about her experiences with being stereotyped and how she overcame the negativity to determine her own educational path. With a keen interest in neuroscience, Meron took the opportunity to intern at the University of California at San Diego’s School of Pharmacy, where she studied plant neurobiology. Meron participated in the California Scholarship Federation, the National Honor Society, and the Gifted Pathway Support Program, which sets out to improve the lives of intellectually gifted but economically challenged African American students.

Mohamed A.

In the fall, Mohamed Abdilahi will attend the University of California at San Diego where he plans to major in Computer Science. As a high school student, Mohammed graduated with a 4.25 overall GPA and received multiple honors throughout his tenure, including the AP Scholar Award. Mohammed writes that at the beginning of high school, he was often too afraid to ask teachers questions. Recognizing this as a weakness and wanting to improve it, Mohammed joined his school’s speech and debate team. Facing one’s fears and choosing to beat them is a terrific act of courage we commend.

Rae R.

As the first student in her school’s history to earn a 31 on the ACT, Erika “Rae” Recinos is no stranger to hard work and persistence despite any obstacle. Rae is distinguished not only by her academics – graduating as valedictorian – but also by her commitment to supporting her father’s business by speaking to his clients and managing his business. Rae describes that her Honduran father’s English is much like the roads he fixes, full of holes and craters, and that she is the liquid asphalt that fills these gaps and makes them usable by others. Rae is excited to bring Newark, biracial, and LGBTQIA culture all wrapped up into one to the Duke University campus this Fall.

Kamil V.

Kamil Vickers is the epitome of a rock star student. He excels in all areas of his life – challenging himself in all AP courses, leading his peers as captain in three sports, representing the student voice as President of ASB, and supporting his family working at Cold Stone and Ralph Lauren. He is the student everyone looks at and wonders how he does it all, which has also fueled his commitment to the cause for mental health. With aspirations to ultimately earn a doctorate, Kamil will bring his brilliance and talents to Villanova this Fall.

Thaily V.

Thaily Valdati intends to double-major in Global Studies and Chicano Studies at the University of California at San Diego this fall. A native English speaker and heritage Spanish speaker, Thaily embraced her passion for different cultures in high school by learning Chinese and German while also studying Japanese on her own time. Despite her otherworldly talents with language, Thaily also understands the importance of embracing one’s own neighborhood. “In the future,” she writes, “I hope to work with non-profit organizations to help my community, preferably in the area of education.” Thaily’s high school performance was across-the-board impressive. She graduated high school with a GPA of 4.20 and scored 1320 on the SAT.

Our Education Equity Initiatives

Scholarships

We partner with foundations to support exceptionally bright, hard-working students. These are the students who stay until 9 PM on Friday nights, who come every day at lunch for extra practice, and who work tirelessly from home despite social and financial barriers. Many of these students who epitomize grit and determination find themselves with tuition gaps at their dream colleges. Help us fill their tuition gaps.

College Success

Many first generation college students struggle to overcome their fear of rejection and fear of sharing their personal experiences in applications. Help us harness the power of the peer voice by spreading a message of hope and confidence. Help us empower youth to manage the emotional process of college applications and to complete college with confidence.

Academic Support

Through our work with charities, we've learned about incredible after school programs. Some support the academic success of students in military families moving around the world. Others assist teens battling cancer who miss weeks or months of school. And some strive to help youth in foster care or victims of trauma. Help us support community groups working to transform students' professional and academic development.