La Verne Chamber Of Commerce: Chamber Announces 2021 Scholarship Recipients

Press release from La Verne Chamber of Commerce:

July 30, 2021

In many ways, this year has been like 2021, which will go down in history as the year that everything changed (and not always for the better). But young people’s visions for their futures were not dimmed. This year, the La Verne Chamber of Commerce were honored to be able to help five La Verne high school grads reach their college dreams through scholarships. The grads, all coincidentally from Bonita High School, each received between $500 and $750.
Here are brief profiles of our recipients for this year:
Anjalene Frank
Bonita High School, Class of 2021
Target College(s): Cal State University Los Angeles
Planned Major: Communications with a minor in film
My Career Goal: to work in the movie industry, either as a producer
 or a director.
Why I Chose This Major: George Floyd’s death was a true defining moment. I will always fight for the people whose voices aren’t heard. This experience really made me turn toward film, especially documentaries. I want to use my pain, and other people’s pain to tell a story of strength, a story that opens people’s eyes to the world around them.
My Community Involvement: I started volunteering at my church first by helping serve the homeless during our winter shelter, and my desire to volunteer grew from there. I was able to volunteer my time to help lead teen activities, and go on retreats, give talks, and lead small groups. I conquered my fear of public speaking and learned that I am a leader.
What People Say About Her: “Anjalene’s innate kindness and ability to listen in a way that makes other feel as though their voice is heard truly sets her leadership apart from other students. She has also taken on causes bigger than her in being part of the Equality Committee, which deals with making changes to the district to ensure all students have equality in the district. She even created the Dead Poets Society Club to give students another creative outlet and opportunity to discuss one of her personal passions, poetry and writing.” — Bonita High School Counselor
 
Emma Kisaka
Bonita High School, Class of 2021
Target College(s): Hope International University; Citrus College
Planned Major: Liberal Studies with an emphasis on Elementary Education
My Career Goal: Elementary school teacher 
Why I Chose This Major: Being involved in dance for most of my life has helped me to know the importance of hard work and teamwork. Becoming an assistant dance teacher and teaching beginning piano lessons has really helped me to realize that I truly love working with children and teaching in a classroom. It has helped shape me into a person who sees a need for a teacher who shows up consistently, loves unconditionally, and comes to class prepared and excited to be there.
My Community Involvement: I have been part of many school clubs and community activities with my church, including Best Buddies, American Sign Language Honor Society, president of the Book Club and vice president of the Christian Club. As a Sunday school teacher for first and second graders, I learned that I love to teach and make a difference in my community on an individual basis.
What People Say About Her: “Emma’s contributions as Baby Care Kit Project lead blessed hundreds of families in need of baby care supplies through Convoy of Hope. She has such a beautiful heart and is always ready to serve, and very faithful in her commitments.”
 
Spencer Gardner
Bonita High School, Class of 2021
Target College(s): Cal Poly San Luis Obispo; San Diego State University
Planned Major: Civil Engineering
My Career Goal: Civil engineer for either a city or construction firm
Why I Chose This Major: I have seen many diverse communities and the infrastructure holding them together. As I have grown older, I have felt for the people living in those communities who are underrepresented and looked over when it comes to improving their quality of life. I realized my goal in life was to help those who have poor transportation, water, and waste systems, along with many other degraded parts of their community’s infrastructure. I was told that pursuing a degree in civil engineering will put me on the path to achieving my goal.
My Community Involvement: I have been a volunteer with the California Scholarship Federation at Bonita High since I was a freshman. I am also in Boy Scout Troop 601 in Upland and recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout. For my project, I refurbished the historic tree cross section in front of La Verne Heights Elementary School. I believe it impacted the school and city by beautifying the surrounding area, while adding historical contest to the tree cross section that had no information before I did my work.
What People Say About Him: “People gravitate toward Spencer due to his humble disposition and willingness to always help others first. He could be relied on by the adult [scout troop] leadership and was very receptive to direction and positive criticism. He understood the goals and objectives of scouting and consistently demonstrated the Scout Oath and Law in his daily life.” — Boy Scout leader
 
Ella Bell
Bonita High School, Class of 2021
Target College(s): Brigham Young University, Utah
Valley University
Planned Major: Biochemistry
My Career Goal: Forensic toxicologist
Why I Chose This Major: I have a strong interest and excitement for chemistry and am very interested in law enforcement and solving chromes. Working as a forensic toxicologist would allow me to enjoy both, as I would be able to assist law enforcement with my knowledge of chemistry.
My Community Involvement: Since I was 8 years old, I have attended weekly church activities that were focused on serving the community by collecting for food drives, cleaning up parks, and making hygiene kits for homeless people. I participated in community service projects through my marching band and wrestling team at school where I collected clothes and recycling and fed the homeless. I participated in Bonita High’s House of Representatives for the Helping Hearts Club.
What People Say About Her: “Ella has held many positions within her young women youth group at church. With each position, Ella was to oversee the needs of the youth, organize activities, ad help on event planning committees. Having her in a leadership role gave the youth a positive mentor to look up to and follow. I am proud to have seen her grow up and comfortable with having her as a role model and friend for my daughter.” — church counselor
 
Tyler Crowell
Bonita High School, Class of 2021
Target College: University of California Santa Barbara
Planned Major: Actuarial Science, Economics
My Career Goal: My goal is to be an actuary, a mathematical forecaster of future events.
Why I Chose This Major: I’ve noticed that many people may fail in life due to a lack of financial literacy. I would love to offer a course for students to learn the ins and outs of what they need to succeed in life. There are so many young adults  who need a mentor to let them know how to safely place their money so they can worry less and enjoy life more!
My Community Involvement: I’ve participated in the city’s Easter Egg Hunts and  Santa visits, La Verne Heritage Foundation’s pumpkin patch, AYSO soccer, carnivals and vacation Bible school. As I got older, I understood that it’s the volunteers who make this all happen. I became a camp counselor for VBS and realized I actually liked teaching the kids and making them smile more than participating as a camper.
What People Say About Him: “The city’s Community Services Department is always in need of capable and reliable volunteers. Tyler is always on time and stays until the job is finished. Volunteers such as Tyler are essential for the success of our activities. It is always a pleasure to work with him; he’s a team player and would be an asset to any organization.” — Community Services director
 

This press release was produced by La Verne Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author’s own.