Foundation tops itself with scholarships

More than $190,000 was presented to graduating seniors at the 2006 Laguna Beach High School Honors Convocation, held June 7 in the Artists Theatre.

The record-breaking amount and number of scholarships was announced at a reception for donors and presenters, hosted before the convocation by the Laguna Beach High School Scholarship Foundation.

“We may have one of the largest scholarship programs, per student, of any scholarship program in the state, if not the county,” foundation President Debra Steel said. “The message that these scholarships send to our graduating students and what your generosity says about our community and its priorities is profound.

“Your gifts alter lives, bestow hope and allow dreams to come true.”

The amount of money raised by donations to the scholarship program is an astounding accomplishment for a school the size of Laguna Beach High School, foundation members said.

“It’s amazing,” said Mary Fegraus, a trustee of the foundation almost since its inception. “And it will just keep rolling.”

Not so long ago, foundation members thought $100,000 was a lot of money to distribute to one class, but bequests of property today are way more valuable than bequests in the past, and people are wealthier, Fegraus said.

“We have to have $5,000 to endow a scholarship ? and that used to be a lot of money,” Fegraus said.

Each trustee manages several scholarships or awards. They keep in touch with the donors and arrange presenters if requested.

“Our goal has always been to broaden the scholarships so every student could be recognized,” Fegraus said.

Tim Shoffner, a 2001 graduate, said the recognition of student achievement represented by the scholarships and awards is every bit as, if not more, valuable than the money.

“Tonight is my chance to express my thanks,” Shoffner said. “You put your faith in me, and, in turn, I learned to have faith in myself. I would not have gone as far as I have without your support.”

Shoffner attended UC Berkeley, partially funded by the Festival of Arts Scholarship Foundation.

Ebell Club awarded the first-ever scholarship in 1946: $150. This year, the club awarded $4,000, presented by Michellene Channels and President Karen Baker, an Ebell Club scholarship recipient when she graduated in 1974 LBHS.

Awards range from a Citizenship medal and a $50 bond to $5,000 ? some in one lump sum; others, such as the Festival of Arts Foundation scholarships, can be spread out over six years from graduation. Financial need is a criterion for some scholarships, but not all of them. Donors include individuals, families who choose this way to honor loved ones, or community organizations. Donors may choose to increase the amount and number of scholarships awarded in a given year.

“You guys do this year in and year out,” 2001 graduate and scholarship recipient Asher Edwards said. “You opened doors for me, and five years later you are still at it. The investment you make in us cannot be replaced.”