Las Positas College Holds 42nd Annual Student Scholarship Awards

From LPC: Las Positas College (LPC) held its 42nd Annual Student Scholarship Awards ceremony on May 16, honoring dozens of students for their hard work, dedication and commitment.

"Each year, the LPC Foundation Board works very hard to identify and attract resources in support of the college and its mission," said Las Positas Foundation Executive Director Kenneth Cooper. "The success of Las Positas College students is at the core of what we do.

Among the awards presented were Mertes scholarships, consisting of four award categories. Two basketball players, one male and one female, each received a $5,000 scholarship. Transfer scholarships were provided of up to $30,000 per student who completed two years at LPC and are transferring to complete a four-year degree, performing arts transfer scholarships of up to $30,000 per student per year and awards of up to $10,000 per year for students at LPC or Chabot who are in the process of obtaining a degree in allied health fields.

"I cannot thank everyone at Las Positas and the Foundation enough for the Mertest Scholarship," said student Danielle Klessel. "I am thankful for the opportunity to follow my dream - and for the support to make my dream a reality."

The first Mertes Scholarship awards were provided for the 2018-2019 school year to 13 students totaling $375,000, including two basketball players. Each of those students successfully completed their Mertes scholarship year with full-time status and a minimum 3.0 GPA. This year, the 11 non-basketball students received second year scholarships, and three additional transfer students and three allied health students received new scholarships. No new Mertes Scholarship for performing arts were provided. The remaining scholarship funds were divided among students continuing their education at LPC.

"Throughout my last two years, LPC has given me unbelievable opportunities," said student Gary Salazar. "I am honored to receive this scholarship and in the same way that David and Barbara Mertes, LPC and the Foundation have supported me, I am motivated to contribute to the educational and scientific community with passion and compassion."

Award recipients have continued their education at the University of California Berkeley, University of California Los Angeles, California State University East Bay, California State University Long Beach, San Francisco State University, Sacramento State University, Samuel Merritt University, Northwestern University and American Music and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles, among others.