Alan Brutman

Steven T. Card

Timothy D. Carlyle, Esq.

Shane P. Criqui, Esq.

Alan J. Crivaro, Esq.

Kenneth W. Curtis, Esq.

Brian M. Daucher, Esq.

Mark D. Erickson, Esq.

Todd G. Friedland, Esq.

Dennis W. Ghan, Esq.

Alan A. Greenberg, Esq.

William B. Grenner, Esq.

John B. Hurlbut, Jr., Esq.

Linda A. Iannelli, Esq.

Michele D. Johnson, Esq.

Kyle S. Kawakami, Esq.

Michael P. Maguire, Esq.

M. Alim Malik, Esq.

Elizabeth L. McKeen, Esq.

Carolyn C. McKitterick, Esq.

Mark E. Minyard, Esq.

Hon. Jamoa A. Moberly (Ret.)

Donald L. Morrow, Esq.

Cheryl L. O’Connor, Esq.

William S. O'Hare, Esq.

Miguel P. Prietto, Esq.

Jeffrey H. Reeves, Esq.

Gregory G. Rizio, Esq.

Daniel S. Robinson, Esq.

Mark P. Robinson, Jr., Esq.

Jaritt Ruff

Hon. Judith M. Ryan (Ret.)

Edward A. Schlatter, Esq.

Gary J. Singer, Esq.

James M. Skorheim, J.D., CPA

Sheniece J. Smith, Esq.

Maria Z. Stearns, Esq.

Allan H. Stokke, Esq.

Cindy Stokke, JD

Jared M. Toffer, Esq.

Eric V. Traut, Esq.

W. Henry Walker

Christopher P. Wesierski, Esq.

Robert J. Whalen, Esq

Michael R. Williams, Esq.

Dean J. Zipser, Esq.

PY OCBF BOARD

Higher Education Mentoring Program

www.ocbarfoundation.org

HIGHER EDUCATION MENTORING PROGRAM

2018 Graduation Ceremony

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Graduation! What an exciting time! You successfully

completed the Higher Education Mentoring Program;

you’re graduating from high school; you’ve been

accepted at an institute of higher learning and for

many of you you’re the first in your family to go off to

college. Congratulations!

Congratulations to all your Parents too! They have

actively supported your participation and have

participated themselves. Today is a memorable day

for them. I know they are proud of you and your

accomplishments. I along with PY OCBF staff, board

members, and supporters are proud of all your hard

work to get to this day!

I am also proud of the program; the Class of 2018 is

our 17th graduating class! The program has gone

through many changes since its inception in 2000.

What began as a small group of 8 female students

struggling to graduate high school, has grown to a

two-year co-ed curriculum providing ongoing under-

graduate support. With over 280 students having par-

ticipated and gone on to higher education, 106 of our

graduates have received a Bachelor’s degree, 16 have

earned a Master’s degree, and 128 are undergrads in

colleges and universities across California and the US.

How time flies when you are having fun! It’s been fun

touring campuses, attending monthly workshops, see-

ing summer movies, participating in career day, meet-

ing application & scholarship deadlines, and spending

time with your mentor. It’s been real and all good!

Class of 2018, you have earned this celebration. You

worked hard these past two years and your

commitment is reaping its rewards. As each of you

begins your new journey as college students, I wish

you all continued success!

Martha Madrid

Associate Director

Higher Education Mentoring Program Recognition Reception

Honoring the Graduates of 2018

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

5:30-7:40 p.m.

5:50 Welcome & Opening Remarks: Carolyn McKitterick,

Program Committee Co-Chair Brian Daucher, Esq., President PY OCBF

Board of Directors

6:05 Program Overview & Highlights: Martha Madrid, Associate Director

6:15 Introduction of Keynote Speaker:

Wesley Polischuk, President PY OCBF Associate Board of Directors

6:30 Keynote Speaker:

Avelino Valencia III,. Senior Field Repre-sentative, District 69 Aseemblymember Tom Daly

6:50 Introduction of Speakers:

Martha Madrid, Associate Director

6:55 Speakers:

Angelica Gonzalez, Mentee David Hernandez, Mentee Maria B. Gonzalez, Parent Noemi Urquiza, HEM Alumni

7:20 Presentation of Scholarships, Certificates & College Starter Kits Martha Madrid, Associate Director Nedda Mahrou from Jackson Tidus

7:40 Closing Remarks:

Brian Daucher

Avelino Valencia III is currently serving as the Principal

District Representative in the office of Assemblymember

Tom Daly – 69th District. He was born and raised in

Anaheim, CA and attended Katella High School, South

Junior High, and Roosevelt Elementary School. Avelino

went on to attend Fullerton Junior College where he

earned his Associates Degree and was a member of the

Fullerton College Hornets Football Team. He went on to

transfer to San Jose State University where he earned a degree in Political Science, was a member

of the San Jose State Spartan Football Team, a founding father of the Alpha Tau Omega

Fraternity and interned for the office of Assemblymember Nora Campos – 27th District. After

graduating from San Jose State University, Avelino had a brief stint in the National Football

League before joining the Anaheim Elementary School District as a Resource Specialist

Instructional Aid from July 2012 to May 2013. Avelino continued to contribute to Fullerton

College’s Athletic Department by coaching the Tight Ends of the Fullerton College Football

Team during the 2012-2013 academic year. Avelino continued his political career by serving as

the Field Representative for former Assemblymember Steve Bradford – 62nd District in 2013,

Senior Field Representative for Assemblymember Isadore Hall, III – 64th District in 2013-2014,

and District Representative for Senator Isadore Hall, III – 35th District in 2014-2015. As a

District Representative, he was in charge of and rendered service to the areas of North Long

Beach, Wilmington, San Pedro, Torrance, Gateway Cities, Gardena, Hawthorne and the

communities of watts and Athens in Los Angeles. In October 2015 he was appointed to serve on

the City of Anaheim’s Budget, Investment and Technology Commission and was elected as chair

of the commission by his fellow peers. In June 2016 he was elected as a member of the

Democratic Party of Orange County Central Committee – 69th Assembly District. In January

2018 he was elected as the Political Director of the Orange County Young Democrats.

PARTICIPATING HIGH SCHOOLS

Century High School

Godinez Fundamental High School

Saddleback High School

Santa Ana High School

Segerstrom Fundamental High School

Valley High School

PROGRAM CHAIRS & PY OCBF STAFF

Brian Daucher, Esq.,

OCBF President

Carolyn C. McKitterick, Esq., Co-

Chair

M. Alim Malik, Esq., Co-Chair

Wesley Polischuk, Associate Board

President

Karen Ruan, Executive Director

Kathleen Scatton, Controller

Martha Madrid, Associate Director

Nancy Garcia, Associate Director

Nazly Restrepo, MSW, Associate Director

Michelle Hammond, Research & Develop-

ment

Susana Vega, LMFT, Health Educator

Frances Torres, Health Educator

Anissa Lozano, Higher Education Mentoring

Bilingual Program Coordinator

Noemi Cárdenas, Higher Education Mentor-

ing Bilingual Program Coordinator

Natalie Sanchez, Health Educa-

tor

Manny Gutierrez, Health Edu-

cator

Martha Veliz, Bilingual STOP

SHORT of Addiction Coordina-

tor

Sujei Vasquez, OCBF Assistant

Maron Acosta, OCBF Assistant

MENTORS

A special word of thanks to our program mentors for all of the hours they spent with their mentees.

We are grateful for the amount of effort, knowledge, and care

Nancy Aleman

Gabby Arreola

Evelyn Benitez

Belen Clara

Taylor R. Dalton, Esq.

Amanda Estrada

Esmeralda Garcia

Violeta Garcia

Armando Garcia

Susan Guadarrama

Eric Hernandez

Alonso Ledezma

Anissa Lozano

Brenda Munguia

Moises Paramo

Wesley K. Polischuk, Esq.

Stephanie Reynaga

Griselda Rubalcava

Daisy Serrato

Joel Shaffer

Yaneli Torres

Alans Torres

Cynthia Vilchis

Juan Valdez

Zaira Zavala

Maria Zavalata

COLLEGE STARTER KIT DONORS

2018 SCHOLARSHIP DONORS Special thanks to the following donors

for their tremendous support in making the 2018 scholarship opportunities possible:

Alan and Karen Brutman Brian & Dianne Daucher Judge Gail Andler (Ret.)

Todd Frieland Kristin Garcia Kelly Galligan Jessica Garland Alexis Federico

Judge Jamoa Moberly Judicate West

Maria Solis-Martinez Gary & Carolyn McKitterick

Edward Schlater Eric Traut

Greg & Carol Lindstorm Maria Stearns

Mark Erickson Dennis & Mary Ghan

Alan & Cindy Stokke Dan & Cate Robinson

Jaritt & Erin Ruff Jackson Tidus

PY OCBF Associate Board Jim & Linda Skorheim Jon & Leslie Skorheim

Chris & Maureen Wesierski John & Susie Hurlbut

Jamie Sutton Andrea Paris

PROGRAM DONORS

*Advanced Depositions* Arbonne Foundation * College Futures Foundation

*Draper Family Foundation-Helping Kids Succeed* Green Foundation

*Jeffrey Carlton Foundation *PY OCBF Associate Board

*State Street Foundation * TK Foundation * Union Bank Corporation & Foundation * Wells Fargo Foundation

SPECIAL THANKS TO PY OCBF ASSOCIATE BOARD MEMBERS FOR

FUNDRAISING AND VOLUNTEERING FOR

THE HIGHER EDUCATION MENTORING PROGRAM

Anthony W. Burton, Esq. Tyler J. Cesar, Esq. Matthew E. Costello, Esq. Taylor R. Dalton, Esq. Erin (Mindoro) Ezra, Esq. Alexis P. Federico, Esq. Kelly L. Galligan, Esq. Kirstin Garcia, Esq. Jessica L. Garland, Esq. Aleksandar Glebov Menno Goedman, Esq. Kevin J. Grochow, Esq.

Lauren Grochow Patrick R. Gutierrez Christopher Jones Casey H. Kempner, Esq. Andrew J. Mase, Esq. Sarah T. Mase, Esq. Dustin G. May, Esq. Anthony C. Modarelli, III, Esq. John M. Montevideo, Esq. Matthew A. Moses, Esq. Taryn D. Taddeo Palumbo, Esq. Andrea W. S. Paris, Esq.

Alexander C. Payne, Esq. Wesley K. Polischuk, Esq. Eddie Quillares, Jr. Janani S. Rana, Esq. Vikram M. Reddy, Esq. Ashton Riley, Esq. Nicholas J. Schuchert, Esq. Jonathan M. Skorheim, Esq. Erica M. Sorosky, Esq. Beau Stockstill, Esq. Matthew Stokke, Esq. Jamie E. Sutton, Esq. Casper J. Yen, Esq.

Eddie Quillares, Jr.—State Farm Insurance

Suavicito

Jackson Tidus

Jim & Linda Skorheim

Mark & Kathleen Peterson

Sheniece Smith, Heather Gilbert &

Taryn Palumbo

Patrick & Judy Ryan

Avelino Valencia III is currently serving as the Principal

District Representative in the office of Assemblymember

Tom Daly – 69th District. He was born and raised in

Anaheim, CA and attended Katella High School, South

Junior High, and Roosevelt Elementary School. Avelino

went on to attend Fullerton Junior College where he

earned his Associates Degree and was a member of the

Fullerton College Hornets Football Team. He went on to

transfer to San Jose State University where he earned a degree in Political Science, was a member

of the San Jose State Spartan Football Team, a founding father of the Alpha Tau Omega

Fraternity and interned for the office of Assemblymember Nora Campos – 27th District. After

graduating from San Jose State University, Avelino had a brief stint in the National Football

League before joining the Anaheim Elementary School District as a Resource Specialist

Instructional Aid from July 2012 to May 2013. Avelino continued to contribute to Fullerton

College’s Athletic Department by coaching the Tight Ends of the Fullerton College Football

Team during the 2012-2013 academic year. Avelino continued his political career by serving as

the Field Representative for former Assemblymember Steve Bradford – 62nd District in 2013,

Senior Field Representative for Assemblymember Isadore Hall, III – 64th District in 2013-2014,

and District Representative for Senator Isadore Hall, III – 35th District in 2014-2015. As a

District Representative, he was in charge of and rendered service to the areas of North Long

Beach, Wilmington, San Pedro, Torrance, Gateway Cities, Gardena, Hawthorne and the

communities of watts and Athens in Los Angeles. In October 2015 he was appointed to serve on

the City of Anaheim’s Budget, Investment and Technology Commission and was elected as chair

of the commission by his fellow peers. In June 2016 he was elected as a member of the

Democratic Party of Orange County Central Committee – 69th Assembly District. In January

2018 he was elected as the Political Director of the Orange County Young Democrats.

Avelino Valencia III

Senior Field Representative, District 69 Assem-

blymember Tom Daly

Keynote Speaker:

Grecia Abarca, Saddleback High School

Grecia Abarca will be attending UC Berkley in the Fall, with the intention of pursuing a degree in the STEM field. Some of her future goals are to become a member of UC Berkeley’s Multicultural Community Center, be involved in extracurricular activities, and study abroad in Australia under a biology program.

Oscar Aguilar, Segerstrom Fundamental High School

Oscar Aguilar attends Segerstrom High School where he was involved in the soccer team throughout 3 years. His future plans after graduation are to attend Santa Ana College and then transfer out into a four year university. He intends to major and find a career in the engineering field. Oscar was a Project SELF intern for Savills Studley last summer. His experience there motivates him to pursue higher education and a career in engineering.

Nancy Barroso, Godinez Fundamental High School

Nancy Barroso will be attending Irvine Valley College in the Fall. She enjoys writing and being creative, this hobby led her to deciding to major in Advertising Journalism. Throughout her four years in high school, Nancy has been very involved in programs such as Pink Ribbon Club, Upward Bound, Grizzly Lounge Program, and the Higher Education Mentoring Program. She is motivated by her family, who emphasizes the importance of education, and aims to continue making them proud.

Marilyn Dominguez, Segerstrom Fundamental High School

Marilyn Dominguez will be attending Emmanuel College in the Fall as a Neuroscience major. Her future goals include receiving her Doctorates as a neuropsychologist. She hopes to travel the world and fill up the pages in her passport before finishing many years of studying. Her dream is to be financially stable with any career she partakes in and support family members with what she can along the way. An ultimate goal of hers is to help people and give back to the community she grew up in.

Bryan Duran, Saddleback High School

Bryan Duran will be attending Santa Ana College in the Fall. He plans to pursue a degree in engineering. His future plans include becoming a Mechanical engineer and teaching high schoolers. He enjoys listening to 70s rock and hanging out with friends and family whenever possible.

The Project Youth OCBF’s Higher Education Mentoring Program

proudly presents the Class of 2018

The Higher Education Mentoring Program is The Higher Education Mentoring Program is The Higher Education Mentoring Program is

currently accepting applications for new currently accepting applications for new currently accepting applications for new

Mentors to continue the success of our future Mentors to continue the success of our future Mentors to continue the success of our future

students.students.students.

Mentor Duties: The Higher Education Mentoring

Program is successful due to the hard work from our

volunteer Mentors. Mentors are current university

students or university graduates who give their time

to enhance the preparation of a High School student

with the same goal of higher education. Mentors are

screened and provided with training and guidance

and arrange to meet with their mentees individually

or in small groups approximately 4-6 hours per

month. Mentors assist with researching colleges/

majors, completing college applications,

scholarships, and financial aid applications with the

support of the Program Coordinators.

If interested in mentoring a future HEM Program Student, please provide the following information

and return to Program Staff.

Name: _____________________________________________________________________

E-Mail Address: ___________________________________________________________

Phone Number: ___________________________________________________________

Sign up to volunteer by sending your interest form to:

Anissa Lozano or Noemi Cardenas via fax or e-mail

Fax: (714)480-1933

E-Mail: ALozano@ocbarfoundation.org

NCardenas@ocbarfoundation.org

For questions call (714) 480-1925, ext. 100

Christopher Ramos, Godinez Fundamental High School

Christopher Ramos is a graduating senior from Godinez Fundamental High School. He had planned to commit to Georgetown University in DC, but decided to stay local at the University of California, Irvine as a Business Administration major. He plans to become a General Manager or CEO for entertainment or sport companies.

Miguel Sanchez, Valley High School

Miguel Sanchez is a graduating senior and one of seven children in his family. If you’ve seen him in two places at once then that could be because he is a twin. He has been a member of cross country and track and field team for four years and has held a position of leadership since last year. He participates in Advanced Placement, honors classes and clubs such as CSF and Link Crew that work towards bettering the community and has bettered his education through the work that he has completed in them.

Violeta Seoane, Century High School

Violeta Seoane is the youngest of four children and lives at home with her parents. In the Fall she will be attending Santa Ana College as a Human Services major and plans to obtain her Masters of Social Work. Her career goal is to be a practicing Social Worker, she wants to impact young people’s lives and make a difference. Violeta has a heart for helping and wants others to know there is hope and support when they feel like there is none. Violeta also enjoys roller skating, being active, and spending time with family.

Egan Solis, Godinez Fundamental High School

Egan Solis was born and raised in Santa Ana. He has two siblings and will be the first one to attend a four-year university. He will be attending Cal State Dominguez Hill in the Fall. His childhood dream has been to open a family restaurant in Santa Ana and aims to work towards that by pursuing a degree in Business.

Maria Valdovinos, Godinez Fundamental High School

Maria Valdovinos is an outgoing Latina who will be attending California State University, Fullerton this fall. She studied at GFHS and was involved greatly throughout her four years of high school. From taking many challenging courses she was able to discover her love for the sciences and will major in Biology. Apart from being a studious person, she loves to dance and sing in her free time and when it comes to travels she enjoys traveling to Mexico.

Anayeli Flores, Saddleback High School

Anayeli attends Saddleback High School. As part of her academics, she has enrolled in seven AP courses and participates in clubs such as the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation. Outside of school Anayeli has been involved in her church community and dance team for six years. Anayeli is now currently a senior at Saddleback High School and will be attending California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in the Fall.

Nydia Garcia, Saddleback High School

Nydia is a graduating senior from Saddleback High School and is part of various clubs including National Honor Society and California Scholarship Foundation. Throughout high school, she has been in both Honors and AP classes and has been able to maintain a 3.6 GPA. Some of her hobbies include bicycling and writing. Her short-term goals are to graduate from high school and travel. She will be attending a 4-year university this fall and will major in Business Administration. She hopes to continue on to obtain her MBA and eventually start her own business.

Angelica Gonzalez, Segerstrom Fundamental High School

Angelica Gonzalez will be attending UC San Diego in the Fall. She has had two older sisters and a younger brother that have also participated in this program. She has been employed at Sprouts for over a year and was also an intern at the law firm of Michael Maguire & Associates through Project SELF. She is the social coordinator for a club on campus called Girls’ League as well as Staff Appreciation Commissioner for ASB.

Daisy Gonzalez, Saddleback High School

Daisy Gonzalez will be attending UC Irvine in the Fall. She intends on pursuing a degree in Psychology. Her goal in life is to be able to help her Santa Ana Community progress. She is president of the National Honor Society, the Senior Vice President of ASB, Vice President of the MESA/ROBOTICS team, and a member of Link Crew. Daisy has been involved as an active volunteer and intern of the Delhi Center with more than 500 hours of community service assisting in planning and executing different events.

Yvette Guevara, Valley High School

Yvette Guevara is a first generation college student who will be attending the University of California, Santa Barbara in the Fall as an English major. She would like to take on a second major of Journalism to better prepare herself for a Master’s Degree in Education. She would like to provide the support and mentorship that she received from many educators over the years. She hopes to leave an impact on the next generations to come just like her teachers did for her.

David Hernandez, Valley High School

David Hernandez is a first generation American and college bound student. Through the PY OCBF and other helpful programs, he was able to use his determination and dedication to strive for higher education. David’s hard work is shown through his participation in various AP courses, volunteer work and being a scholar athlete. David will be attending Stanford University as a political science major and plans to continue his education in law school. David hopes to use this experience to help people with similar situations as his family.

Kevin Lara, Segerstrom Fundamental High School

Kevin Lara is a graduating Senior from Segerstrom High School where he has seen his education develop since freshmen year. During his senior year he has been involved with ASB. In the Fall, he will be attending University of California, Merced to expand his intellectual ability and comprehend new material. He is excited for the next four years and plans to leave a great impression!

Christina Macias, Valley High School

Christina Macias is a senior at Valley High School. She has been involved in dance and choir

for all four years of high school and has learned how to be responsible, punctual, and involved.

In the future, she plans to use the skills learned and will be attending Cal State Fullerton in the

Fall. She will be joining the child development program and hopes to become a preschool

teacher. She would love to make a positive impact on the younger generation by believing in

them and reassuring them that they are capable of doing the impossible.

Jacqueline Madrigal, Segerstrom Fundamental High School

Jackie Madrigal is ASB Senior Class Vice President at Segerstrom High School and is involved in the Red Cross Club where she plans the four yearly blood drives on campus. She was accepted into Clark University, Allegheny College, University of Arizona, University of Puget Sound, and St. John’s University. She will be attending Clark University in the fall. Jackie has enjoyed being part of the Higher Education Mentoring Program.

Jennifer Martinez, Saddleback High School

Jennifer Martinez will be attending Sacramento State University in the Fall. She intends to major in Child Development with a minor in Psychology. Jennifer volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Ana, where she enjoys working with kids and has completed over 530 hours of community service. She plans on continuing her education to be a practicing Social Worker. During her time in high school she was also involved in AVID and the College Bound program, played three different sports soccer, cross country and track and field.

Rene Martinez, Saddleback High School

Rene Martinez will be attending Santa Ana College in the Fall. He wants to pursue a degree in criminology and criminal justice. In the future he hopes to make an impact on his community and would like to join the criminal justice system as a homicide detective. He enjoys watching movies and listening to music in his free time, his favorite movie is “Interstellar.”

Diana Mayorquin, Santa Ana High School

Diana Mayorquin will be attending Santa Ana College in the Fall and will be enrolled in the honors program. She has a great interest in becoming a registered nurse, and will work hard to transfer to a great nursing program after receiving her A.A.

Carlos Moreno, Segerstrom Fundamental High School

Carlos Moreno will be attending Arizona State University in the Fall. His goal is to major in architecture and studio art/graphic design. He was a part of the volleyball team and historian for the Associated Student Body.

Eli Nieto, Godinez Fundamental High School

Eli Nieto is a student at Godinez Fundamental High School. He will be attending Cal State

Long Beach in the Fall majoring in Kinesiology with the goal to one day become a physical

therapist. He is the third oldest in a family of eleven children with two brothers who are

currently attending UC Irvine. He is the Captain for the Boys’ Varsity Volleyball Team at his

school. He has also been First Chair of Godinez’s Orchestra’s Cello section for two years.

Geovanny Padilla, Godinez Fundamental High School

Geovanny Padilla will attend California State University, Long Beach in the Fall as a Computer Science major. Geovanny feels that without this program he would have been unprepared as to how to apply to college—including how to be a functioning healthy individual in economically, mentally, and physically. He hopes to use a Computer Science degree to assist the world with new technology, making it an easier place. Geovanny is the first in his family to attend a four-year university.

Anais Palomo, Segerstrom Fundamental High School

Anais Palomo is a hardworking student and individual. Her commitment is shown through her participation in extracurricular activities, including her role as Vice President of an after school club. Through Project SELF, Anais was able to intern at an Intellectual Property Law Firm. She is a dedicated learner of life and hopeful person who looks forward to establishing her career. Anais will be attending University of California, Merced in the Fall.

Andrea Picazo, Saddleback High School

Andrea is a senior at Saddleback High School. She will be attending California State University, Dominguez Hills this coming Fall. Andrea enjoys going to the movies, reading, and spending time with family and friends. The Higher Education Mentoring Program has benefited her in many ways. It has allowed her to develop and improve skills she can use inside school and outside. Some of the skills are time management, goal setting, teamwork, and prioritizing.