High School
Venture Academy
Nominated by
Bob Margaron
Priscila Alcaraz's Pastor
It is my sincere pleasure and honor to know and to have worked with Priscila Alcaraz over the past eleven years in many different capacities. I am the Executive Director of The Center/Peniel Missions, (an organization that works with at-risk children and youth from 1st to 12th grades.) I also serve as a pastor and community leader. I have been serving south Stockton and its residents for over 26 years.
I have worked with Priscila for over a decade as she has overcome huge obstacles in her personal life, growing up in a community inundated by generational gangs, and having a mother with a mental illness who has overcome self-medicating with street drugs. During this time, she has been striving to reach her current life and educational goals. She is the person who made decisions that brought positive change for her entire family. She is a young woman of great character and very responsible. I have known her to be punctual and thorough in all her work.
Priscilla is a trustworthy, reliable, good-humored student and friend who supports others in and out of the classroom. She is a pleasure to have at the Center, and her positive attitude and belief in herself and others, even in the face of difficulty, is an immensely admirable asset.
My name is Matthew Wright. I am a social science teacher and the mock trial coach for Venture Academy Family of Schools. I originally met Priscila her freshman year when she came out for the mock trial team. Upon meeting Priscila, my immediate takeaway was that she was the most appreciative student that I had ever met. Every trip we took with the team, every opportunity to compete and learn more about our judicial system, and every instance where my students needed a friendly, supportive shoulder to cry on or to inspire them to be the best version of themselves, I knew I could rely on Priscila to step in and get the job done. Throughout her four years with our team and in my class, Priscila has continuously gone above and beyond expectations. During these past four years, Priscila has been integral to our team's success - including 3 county championships, and two Empire World Championships. I offer my highest recommendation for Priscila and ask that she be considered for this scholarship.
I am Kristeen Hymes, Priscila’s former 5th grade teacher. It has been many years since Priscila has been my student but she still reaches out occasionally and we have kept in touch.
The thing I remember the most about Priscilla was her wonderful attitude. I know that she was struggling with a difficult home life but she still manage to bring a sunny disposition to school every day. She was also very academically driven and achieved great success in her schoolwork. I believe Priscilla would be an excellent candidate for this scholarship. I know she will continue to pursue her academic goals and achieve her dreams and am happy to be able to continue to support her endeavors.
Priscila is just such an amazing person. She's always caring, involved, and responsible. I can always count on her on making the right decision because she always examines different ideas and perspectives. I believe that Priscila deserves this scholarship.
I have known Priscila for many years and have had the privilege of getting to know her through The Center in Stockton. Priscila is one of the kindest, most gracious young women I know. She is driven, responsible, and kind to everyone around her. I highly recommend her to receive this scholarship.
I have known Priscila since 2010. I met her when she was attending The Center. I have gotten to know her well over the years and have watched her grow into an amazing young woman. Life has not always been easy for Priscila but I have never heard her complain. She has worked hard at school and life. She has gone on to volunteer at The Center where all the kids love her. She is a great role model. I know she will continue to work hard and achieve whatever goals she sets for herself. I can not recommend her more highly for this scholarship.
People like Priscila are rare. If you have had the opportunity to know her, your life is richer. Priscila has done so much to overcome the adversities of her young life. She now stands at the door of adulthood and is anxious to move forward to help others. So many young adults can only see their own path, but Priscila is searching for how she can make a difference in those around her. Her heart of love and compassion will make a difference in so many lives. She is one who definitely deserves all things as she goes out and changes the world. I recommend her for this scholarship. I know she will not take it for granted.
Hello. I am Kathleen Moody, 6th grade language arts/social studies teacher of Priscilla (and long time patient at Brookside Optometric). Priscilla is a student I will never forget. She consistently demonstrated enthusiasm and interest in the classroom. She was active in our Interact club and made crafts fashioned with duct tape as a charity fundraiser. She came up with this idea on her own, which shows initiative that is uncommon for a young person. I know that her initiative and persistence have only grown since then. I wholeheartedly recommend Priscilla for this generous scholarship.
Priscila is the most considerate, kind, generous, and thankful person I know. Over the past few years I have been honored to call her a friend and get to know her as an extremely supportive person with steadfast work ethic and intelligence in all of the facets of the word (analytical, mental, emotional, creative). I know that if you choose her for this scholarship that she will take it and use it to impact the world and lives of others in a way no other could.
I've been Priscila's best friend for years, and while Priscila has overcome adversity under stressful situations, you could honestly never tell. She's a great person who I've shared classes with, been on mock trial trips with, and many many other adventures, I've never seen someone who's as genuinely positive as her. I would remember being on video chat with her doing quarantine while she worked diligently on projects and homework assignments, because if she didn't turn in her best she wouldn't be satisfied.
Priscila's altruism doesn't stop at just words, but you see it in the community service work that she does, and her goals in pursuing higher education in psychology. Priscila was made to help people, and like a diamond she'll withstand anything thrown at her in order to achieve her goals.
I could talk endlessly about how great of a person Priscila is, but I don't think that's necessary. If you look at the things she's accomplished or just have a five minute conversation with her, you'll know what she's about. I knew who she was when I met her, and she's never proven me wrong.
As Priscila's former Principal, I can attest to her determination, kindness, and love for learning. Priscila always tried her very best and was willing to seek out assistance when needed. She consistently had a positive attitude and loved coming to school. Beyond academics, Priscila would seek out teachers and staff members to offer her support on projects and come up with creative ideas on how to make our school better. Despite the challenges in her life, Priscilla remained resilient and a beacon of light throughout. Priscila still visits our school and it is wonderful to see her grow and succeed academically. Priscila is highly deserving of this scholarship and I know she will be tremendously grateful for the support.
We are retired healthcare workers and have served with Priscilla for two years at the Peniel mission. she’s an amazing teenager with great energy and responsibility. She always goes above and beyond whatever is asked of her and maintains a fantastic attitude. Her love for people is evident in how she responds to the community she serves at Peniel. The world could use a lot more youth like Priscilla. Please consider her for the scholarship, it will be well spent.
Priscila so much deserves this, she has been able to go through so much obsticals in her young life. She chose to not let life bring her down and see how things get better after the storm.Priscila is a strong outgoing caring young lady, she will do things to make others feel better, she has a great personality,and a great friend.shes determined to be and do better.
I have only known Priscila for a little less than a year, but she has been such a blessing. I met her first at ‘The Center’, and her tenderness and care for the children around her was so apparent. She is hard working, determined, attentive to people’s needs and feelings, and will undoubtedly excel at whatever she puts her mind to. I sincerely hope Priscila may be granted this scholarship and be recognized for her hard work and remarkable character.
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This scholarship is open to students currently enrolled as a senior in high school in San Joaquin County for the 2023 graduating year. Students may be enrolled in public or private schools, or be home-schooled. Nominations must be successfully uploaded to the entry page by midnight on March 12, 2023.
To be considered for the scholarship, all students must be nominated by a teacher, coach, guidance counselor, pastor, or youth leader (immediate family members and relatives are not eligible to submit nominations). Nominations will be posted on the website and receive community feedback during the period from March 13 - 26, 2023.
One scholarship winner will be chosen by Brookside Optometric Group doctors based on their nomination and community feedback. The scholarship and funds will be presented to the winner in person in early May 2023 — the exact date to be determined by the winner.
Brookside Optometric Group doctors are committed to you and your eye health, and to the community we share. From college scholarship contests like this one to medical mission trips around the globe, we believe in giving back and making a difference.
Brookside Optometric Group
3133 W. March Lane
Suite 2020
Stockton, CA 95219
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