Three of five Menlo Atherton High School seniors received scholarships at the Kiwanis Club’s annual scholarship luncheon, Tuesday, May 12, at Allied Arts Guild. The other two seniors missed the luncheon because of tests and will receive their awards at next week’s luncheon. This year’s MA scholarship awards totaled $23,500.
“Scholarship awards are based on interviews with the students and on outstanding course work, community involvement and a review of transcripts,” said John Martin, Chair of the Club’s Scholarship Committee. “It was obvious from the Honors and Advance Placement courses taken by these students, that they are very motivated, and will do well.”
The students receiving scholarships are:
- Simran Kashyap, fresh from an intern program with a Silicon Valley startup, plans to study Engineering, and will attend UC Santa Cruz. She tutored math at Hillview and Ravenswood schools. She also participated in several community projects with a program called “Build On”.
- Caroline Kelly will attend the University of Michigan, focusing on English and other courses needed to fulfill pre-med requirements. While at MA, she participated in several school leadership programs working on several Baylands projects and with homeless shelters. She also started after school programs to foster reading and mentorship activities.
- Gordon Williams, as part of a Boy Scouts program, repaired and distributed 60 bicycles to kids and families at Haven House—to help residents get to school or work. He also provided 60 helmets for them. He worked in the Kiwanis Christmas Tree Lot for several years, helping the Menlo Park Kiwanis Club raise funds for scholarships and other causes.
The other two scholarship recipients are Alan Martinez and Laila Volpe, who will receive their awards next week.
Menlo Park Kiwanis Club is an active and committed partner to many non-profit organizations, having given over $90,000 last year in support of projects which include scholarships for Menlo-Atherton High School graduates, and volunteer work with St Anthony’s Dining Room, Tour deCure of Diabetes, Special Games for physically challenged youth, Rebuilding Together, and the City of Menlo Park. Visitors are welcome to the Club’s weekly luncheon meetings, Tuesdays, 12:00-1:15 pm, at Allied Arts Guild. To reserve a spot call 650-580-4441.
Photo caption: Charlie Porter, Menlo Park Kiwanis Club President, (left) and John Martin. Scholarship Chair, (right) handed out three of five scholarships at the Club’s annual Scholarship Luncheon to M-A Seniors Gordon Williams, Caroline Kelly and Simran Kashayap