|
This is a proud moment for Pacific Landscape Maintenance as we celebrate the accomplishments of students in our scholarship program, particularly those who are the first in their families to attend college. The initiative began eight years ago from a genuine need expressed by an employee, which sparked the creation of a program aimed at providing financial and planning assistance for employees' children pursuing higher education. The growth and success of the scholarship program are evident with six graduates having benefited from it thus far. This milestone reflects Pacific's commitment to supporting employees who may face challenges in understanding the college preparation and financial aid processes, thereby empowering them to guide their children towards academic success. Awarding five $5,000 scholarships for the upcoming school year demonstrates ongoing dedication to expanding educational opportunities within our community. This investment not only alleviates financial burdens but also fosters a supportive environment where students can thrive academically and pursue their career aspirations.
Looking ahead, the anticipation of future graduates and the continued growth of the scholarship program underscore Pacific Landscape Maintenance's commitment to long-term impact and empowerment through education. By nurturing the educational journeys of employees' children, Pacific not only enriches individual lives but also strengthens the community and contributes positively to the workforce of tomorrow. The ongoing success of your scholarship program serves as an inspiring example of corporate responsibility and proactive support for employee families, ensuring that educational barriers are minimized and opportunities are maximized. Congratulations on your achievements thus far, and here's to many more years of celebrating student successes and educational milestones!
Our graduate last year:
Gustavo Calderon Perez, Son of Adolfo Calderon - (Hillsboro Branch) – Gustavo's journey towards his Master's degree while balancing a full-time job is a testament to his dedication and perseverance in his field of engineering. His experience highlights the transformative impact of Pacific Landscape Maintenance 's scholarship, which has significantly eased the financial pressures associated with pursuing higher education. By providing this support, Pacific Landscape Management has not only enabled Gustavo to pursue advanced studies but has also enhanced his professional growth and expertise.
Gustavo's enthusiasm for his Master's program is evident through his appreciation for the deeper theoretical and analytical insights it offers compared to his undergraduate studies. The highlight of his education so far, the vibration analysis class, underscores his practical application of knowledge to real-world scenarios, such as understanding building behaviors during seismic events.
Moreover, Gustavo's ability to apply what he learns directly to his work demonstrates the immediate relevance and impact of his educational pursuits. This alignment between academia and practical experience not only enriches his professional skills but also contributes to his ongoing success in the engineering field. Overall, Gustavo's story exemplifies how supportive initiatives like scholarships can empower individuals to achieve their educational and career aspirations while making substantial contributions to their fields. His gratitude towards Pacific Landscape Management reflects the profound impact of their support on his educational journey and future professional endeavors.
Our recipients this coming year:
Mayra E. Marin, daughter of Maria Villaverde (Sherwood Branch) - Mayra's dedication and involvement at the University of Oregon reflect her passion for education, community, and leadership.
Continuing into her sophomore year as a Psychology major with minors in Computer Science and Latinx studies, Mayra demonstrates a broad academic interest and a commitment to understanding both human behavior and cultural perspectives. Her engagement with identity-based clubs on campus, such as UO Muxeres and UO MEChA, underscores her active role in fostering inclusivity and support for Latina women and the Latinx community at large. Her extensive involvement as an intern for UO Muxeres and her upcoming role as the finance director for the 2023-24 UO Muxeres Board highlight her leadership skills and dedication to advocating for underrepresented groups on campus. Additionally, her position as a Residential Assistant (RA) for the upcoming school year further showcases her commitment to supporting and guiding fellow students through their college experience.
Mayra's gratitude for the resources that have enabled her to continue pursuing her higher education at UO is a testament to the impact of support systems like Pacific Landscape Management's scholarship program. By providing these opportunities, organizations like Pacific Landscape Maintenance not only support individual students like Mayra but also contribute to the enrichment and diversity of campus life.
Overall, Mayra's journey at UO exemplifies resilience, leadership, and a profound commitment to both academic excellence and community service. Her future looks bright as she continues to make a positive impact on campus and beyond.
Violeta Peña Andrade, daughter of Ramon Pena Becerra (Mukilteo Branch) - Violeta's journey from Marysville Getchell High School to the University of Washington is remarkable and reflects her strong determination and academic determination. Choosing to major in biology with a medical track at UW to pursue a career as a sports medicine physician showcases her specific career goals and dedication to a challenging field. Her involvement in the Latino Student Union (LSU) throughout high school highlights her commitment to community and advocacy, fostering a sense of connectedness among Latino students both within and outside of school. One of the pivotal aspects of Violeta's high school experience was participating in the Running Start program. This initiative allowed her to concurrently earn college credits at Everett Community College while completing her high school requirements. Graduating with both a high school diploma and an associate degree is a significant accomplishment, underscoring her academic excellence and readiness for higher education at the university level.
Violeta's path exemplifies proactive preparation and a clear vision for her future in medicine. Her achievements in high school, combined with her aspirations for a medical career focused on sports medicine, demonstrate her passion for helping others and her commitment to advancing in her chosen field. Pacific Landscape Maintenance 's support in fostering such academic achievements and career aspirations further enhances Violeta's journey, providing her with the foundation to succeed in her academic and professional endeavors.
Marissa Mandujano Romero, daughter of Andres Romero Garcia (Tacoma Branch) - Marissa's journey through higher education at the College of William and Mary is a testament to her ambition, dedication, and commitment to community service and leadership. Starting with her academic pursuits, Marissa has chosen to major in International Relations and minor in Psychology, highlighting her interest in understanding global dynamics and human behavior. Her decision to study abroad at the University of St Andrews in Scotland during her second year demonstrates her eagerness to broaden her perspectives and engage with international affairs firsthand.
Beyond academics, Marissa has been deeply involved in campus life and community service. As a freshman, she held executive positions in the William and Mary Fighting for Immigrants Rights and Equity organization, demonstrating her advocacy for social justice and equality. Her roles in Student Leadership, including as a Hall representative and involvement in student activities like the Latin American Student Union and Alma Mater Productions, underscore her commitment to enriching campus life and fostering inclusivity. Marissa's dedication extends beyond campus borders as well. Her internship with the Bob Ferguson campaign for governor in Washington state showcases her interest in government and her aspiration to effect change at a broader societal level. Her ultimate goal to become a government official reflects her desire to create more opportunities for her community and advocate for meaningful policy changes. Throughout her journey, Marissa expresses deep gratitude to her family for their unwavering support of her educational dreams and to Pacific Landscape Maintenance for their assistance in her undergraduate endeavors. Her story exemplifies resilience, leadership, and a profound commitment to making a positive impact in her community and beyond.
Bacillio Marcos Lorenzo, son of Bacillio Marcos Miguel Pedro (Hillsboro Branch) - This individual's journey is truly inspiring, reflecting a deep commitment to education and a passion for preserving cultural heritage. Growing up in Guatemala, surrounded by a multicultural environment that celebrated language fluency, provided a rich foundation for their linguistic abilities. The experience of learning Q’anjob’al alongside his acquisition of Spanish at home, and being supported by multilingual educators at school, fostered a sense of inclusivity and empowerment.
Throughout high school, they undertook rigorous preparations for college, understanding the importance of laying a solid academic groundwork despite the challenges of being an immigrant. This perseverance and dedication highlight their resilience and determination to succeed in higher education.
Their evolving academic interests and career goals, shaped by these formative experiences, have led them to aspire to become a trilingual educator. This aspiration not only reflects their desire to support students from diverse backgrounds but also to preserve and celebrate cultural heritage through education. Overall, their journey underscores the transformative power of education and the impact of supportive environments in shaping personal and professional aspirations. It's a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to both personal growth and community enrichment.
Melissa Angeles Robles, daughter of Miguel Angeles, (Mukilteo Branch) - Melissa Angeles Robles' journey and ambitions are both impressive and commendable. Graduating from Everett Community College with a direct transfer agreement and awaiting admission to the University of Washington Seattle, Melissa is poised to embark on a path focused on Law, Society, and Justice (LSJ), with a minor in American Ethnic Studies specializing in Chicano studies. Her choice of LSJ underscores her commitment to understanding the intricacies of law, justice, and the role of legal institutions in shaping societal dynamics. This program's emphasis on analyzing justice, methods of achieving it, and the politics of rights aligns perfectly with Melissa's aspirations to address systemic inequalities and advocate for marginalized communities. Additionally, her minor in American Ethnic Studies, with a focus on Chicano studies, reflects her intention to delve deep into the experiences of communities of color in American society. This dual academic focus equips her with essential tools to critically analyze and challenge existing power structures, aiming to contribute significantly to social justice and equity initiatives.
Melissa's ultimate goal to attend law school and pursue a career as an attorney for the Washington state attorney's office underscores her dedication to using her legal education to effect positive change. Her journey exemplifies resilience, determination, and a clear vision for making a meaningful impact in the legal field and beyond. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the pursuit of justice in creating a more equitable society.
| 
