Assistance League Sierra Foothills is proud to announce their scholarship winners for 2021

Article submitted to the Mountain Democrat by Sharleen Roth

After reading and evaluating more than 60 applications from very worthy students in El Dorado County, the Assistance League Sierra Foothills Scholarship Committee chose Logan Barth, Sara Ambrose and Brianna Reynolds to receive this year’s Community Service and Advantage Scholarships. Both Logan and Sara were able to attend the organization’s first in-person meeting in more than a year held on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, giving the members the opportunity to meet them and hear their inspiring
stories. Although Brianna was unable to attend the meeting, the members learned about her excellent achievements also.

Receiving Advantage Scholarships this year, given to students who have overcome challenges, are Sara Ambrose and Brianna Reynolds. Sara, a graduate of El Dorado High School, will major in biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz with the goal of having a career in the medical field. She was the year book editor, on the speech and debate team, played softball and maintained an excellent academic record. Sara is described by her teachers as being a “dream student”, saying she is reliable, resilient, inspiring, funny and kind. Her goal is to be an example to others that one’s circumstances do not have to limit one’s goals and achievements.

Brianna Reynolds, also an Advantage Scholarship recipient, is a graduate of Union Mine High School and is planning to attend Humboldt State College with the goal of having a career that would enable her to aid injured animals. She excelled academically, participated in sports, and volunteered in programs
for Hands4Hope, the Salvation Army and the Big Brothers Big Sisters. Her teachers spoke of her ability to “transform obstacles into opportunities”.

Logan Barth, a recent graduate of Oak Ridge High School, is this year’s recipient of the Community Service Scholarship. This scholarship was created to recognize graduating seniors who have performed exemplary community service. Logan served in the Juvenile Justice program, first in the Teen Court program. When that program proved to be less than effective he was invited to develop, and eventually, to lead Peer Council. This program mentored teen offenders and was able to achieve an impressive
success rate. He participated in Mito Kids, the Interact Club and the YMCA, all while maintaining an impressive academic record. He was praised by teachers for his professionalism, passion and empathy. They say “he works incredibly hard for all the right reasons”. He is headed for a career in the legal field and plans to attend the University of Southern California.

County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Ed Manansala, also attended and spoke at the meeting. He congratulated the students on their impressive accomplishments, made even more challenging by the restrictions imposed by the COVID pandemic during their high school years. He also praised the members of Assistance League Sierra Foothills for their ability to pivot and be creative during the pandemic, enabling them to continue the many philanthropic programs they offer to the residents of El Dorado County.

PRESENTS DONATION CHECK 

Pamela Maxwell, Vice President Corporate Social Responsibility at U.S. Bank presented Assistance League Sierra Foothills with a $5,000 Grant for our Scholarship Program during the June member meeting.  Accepting the check, pictured (L > R)  Karen Beckman, Grant Committee, Pamela Maxwell, U.S.Bank, Charlet Burcin, President and Mary Beth Todd, Grant Committee Chairman.

Thank You U.S. Bank!

On April 11, 2019, the Assistance League^® Sierra Foothills celebrated their 10-year anniversary as the 120th chapter of the National Assistance League at the Cameron Park Country Club. More than one hundred members and guests attended. The organization’s community mission and vision of caring and commitment was on display when 14 of their charter members were introduced.

Crista Dixon, founding member, gave a brief look back – the serious and comedic struggles of establishing a nonprofit organization. The organization has evolved from selling candy and conducting garage sales to having annual garden and holiday home tours that draw large crowds. These fundraising events, along with grants and donations, help the organization provide new school clothes and community sports scholarships to disadvantaged children in El Dorado County.

Dr. Ed Manansala, El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools, gave an impassioned presentation was about Honoring a Decade of Impact in El Dorado County. There are large numbers of disadvantaged and homeless children residing in El Dorado County that need community commitment and assistance. The collaboration of the Education County Office of Education and Assistance League Sierra Foothills helps to address these needs.

In a decade, Assistance League Sierra Foothills has provided new school clothes to 5,563 disadvantaged and homeless children. Community sports scholarships were provided to 1,827 children/families, and 691 elementary school students were assisted in developing comprehension skills. Duffel bags were provided to 1,138 children displaced from their homes. Organized activities and shared social time were provided to 924 local seniors.

The Mission and Vision of the current 114 members of Assistance League Sierra Foothills continues. One goal for the 2019-2020 school year is to provide new school clothes to 950 disadvantaged children in El Dorado County.