Doris “Do” Dooley Scholarship Recipients

Doris “Do” Dooley Scholarship Recipients

Posted on May 16, 2017

Self-Help Enterprises has awarded $6,500 in scholarship awards to nine local students in recognition of outstanding scholastic achievement.

The Doris “Do” Dooley Scholarship, named after Self-Help Enterprises’ former Board member and dedicated friend of the organization, was established to help the children of families who have participated in one of Self-Help Enterprises’ programs to further their education. This competitive academic scholarship is available to students who plan to enroll full-time in a vocational or trade school, community college or four-year university. The students were selected by Self-Help Enterprises’ Board of Directors based on academic merit and commitment to community service.

“Self-Help Enterprises is proud to award these scholarships to students in the communities we serve,” said Tom Collishaw, CEO of Self-Help Enterprises. “We applaud their achievements and are honored to support the next generation of leaders in their pursuit of higher education.”

The $1,000 scholarship awards went to:

• Gloria Verdugo – Shafter (Self-Help Housing)
  Gloria is a first generation college student. She has excelled in academics, maintaining a 3.9 GPA while participating in many school organizations including Key Club, Relay for Life, Future Farmers of America and Honor Society. This fall, Gloria will be pursuing a Kinesiology and pre-med degree at her dream school, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
• Josiah Lopez – Fresno (Self-Help Housing)
  Josiah plans to attend Dartmouth College and pursue engineering with the goal of working on projects that help people in the community. Josiah is actively involved in the Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) Club. As a result of his leadership, Josiah helped lead his team to second place in the MESA Prosthetic Arm Team Competition and was awarded Most Outstanding MESA Student.

 

The $750 scholarship awards went to:

• Chelsea Allen – Biola (Multi-Family Housing)
  Chelsea has worked vigorously toward her bachelor’s degree and was accepted into the nursing program at National University. She was among 20 applicants from a pool of approximately 100 qualified applicants to be accepted into the nursing program. Chelsea plans to specialize as a labor and delivery registered nurse.
• Lupe Lira-Ibarra – Lindsay (Self-Help Housing)
  Lupe has become a role model and leader among her peers. In addition to being ranked 5th among her class of 221 students, Lupe is actively involved in College of the Sequoias TRIO/Upward Bound Math & Science Program, which helps first generation students excel in college. Lupe will attend California State University, Fresno where she will major in mathematics to become a math teacher who guides students towards their own bright futures.
• Mayra Lira-Ibarra – Lindsay (Self-Help Housing)
  Mayra holds a 4.02 GPA and participates in the Future Business Leaders of America club where she has placed among the top five in business competitions at the club’s Central Section Conference. Mayra plans to attend California State University, Fresno and pursue a degree in Liberal Arts or Liberal Studies as well as completing her multiple subject teaching credential to become an elementary school teacher.
• Karen Ruiz – Tulare (Self-Help Housing)
  Throughout high school, Karen has received school awards and has been a color guard member since her freshman year. As a senior, she was selected as a captain due to her leadership and organizational skills. Karen plans to attend College of the Sequoias for two years to work on her general education requirements and then transfer to a 4-year university to complete her bachelor’s degree and teaching credential.

The $500 scholarship awards went to:

• Bibiana Barajas – Parksdale (Multi-Family Housing)
  Bibiana began her Kinesiology/Physical Education degree at California State University, Fresno (CSUF), but did not complete her academic course work due to her circumstances. With the continued desire to become an elementary school teacher, Bibiana re-applied to CSUF and was accepted. She will begin her coursework in Bilingual Education this fall.
• Isaiah Corona – Lemoore (Self-Help Housing)
  Isaiah is the youngest of five siblings and a scholar athlete. Currently, Isaiah is President of the American Sign Language Club as well as captain of his high school wrestling team where he is a two-time West Yosemite League wrestling champion. Isaiah has been accepted to San Francisco State University. Isaiah plans to pursue a career as a chiropractor or physical therapist with the goal of owning his own practice.
• Yadira Zamudio – Wasco (Multi-Family Housing)
  Yadira was inspired by a graphic designer who created a logo for her father. Her passion for graphic design and media has continued to blossom, leading her to learn how to use professional programs like Movie Maker and Photoshop. To hone her skills, Yadira is enrolled in her high school multimedia class and is a media assistant at her church. Yadira plans to attend California State University, major in digital communications and media, and use her career to impact the world around her.

The Doris “Do” Dooley Scholarship is possible because of the vision and generosity of many people including the Dooley family. Since 1997, Self-Help Enterprises has awarded 117 scholarships totaling $93,750 to deserving students.