Apr. 29, 2008

They are driven, study hard and work outside school to help support their families, all while participating in church, community and after school activities. They are the latest crop of Jandon Scholars.

Today these 15 high school seniors from public high schools across the county were rewarded for their efforts when they received scholarships worth $10,000 over four years of college from the Jandon Foundation. The scholarships were announced today at the County Office Building in White Plains.

“We are very proud of these students because they have been able to excel academically and become leaders in their schools and communities despite financial and, in some cases, emotional hardship,’’ said County Executive Andy Spano. “Thanks to the generosity of the Cecil family, these students will have the opportunity to pursue their education and achieve their goals. We congratulate them and wish them the best of luck.’’

Since 1999, Westchester County and the Jandon Foundation, a private foundation created by Jane and Donald Cecil of Harrison, have awarded 125 college scholarships to help promising young students from low-income families attend college. By the end of this school year, 64 students will have graduated from college with their assistance. The Cecils, who have dedicated more than $1 million to the program, hold functions to bring the scholars together and offer advice and moral support.

“The Jandon Foundation recognizes these youngsters from low-income families who have worked hard to excel in school. Jane and I don’t believe that these students should be deprived of a college education,’’ said Donald Cecil. “They should be rewarded for their hard work and given the opportunity to succeed and to become future leaders in their communities. That is what the Jandon Scholars program strives to achieve.’’
                                                                  
To be eligible for the Jandon Scholarship program, a student must attend a public high school in Westchester and be a member of a family with substantial financial need. A selection committee chooses scholars based on junior-and senior-year grades, Scholastic Aptitude Test scores and good character. Students submitted essays as well as school transcripts, letters of recommendation and other documentation. To encourage students to complete their education, the program offers an increase in the amount of the scholarship for each year they remain in school. Freshmen receive $1,000, sophomores, $2,000, juniors $3,000; and seniors, $4,000.   

This year’s Jandon Scholars come from10 schools throughout Westchester. The following is a list of this year’s scholars:

• Alexis Acevedo, 17, Yonkers High School. Alexis plays soccer and is founder of the “Mexican Dance Society” at Yonkers High School. He was named the Student of the Month in Computers in January 2007 and is winner of the 2007 Xerox Award. Alexis is a member of the Superintendent’s Honor Society Club.

• Manuel Brea, 18, Yonkers High School. Manuel plays football, baseball and runs track. He is a member of the Spanish Dance Club and Habitat for Humanity and does community service with POW’R Against Tobacco and Reality Check, a youth organization against tobacco advertising. He is captain of the football team.

• Wydnne Cadena, 17, Sleepy Hollow High School. Wydnne loves classical music and plays the flute. Her parents emigrated from Ecuador. She is Vice President of the Latin American Student Organization a member of the National Honor Society and the English, Math, Science and Foreign Language Honor Societies. She also helps to care for her disabled younger brother.

• Arlene Diaz, 17, White Plains High School. Arlene is youth leader for the Mision Bautista Hispana de Westchester and is a member of the Reach for Success Program at White Plains High School and the STEP program at Manhattanville College.

• Rasheeda Jackson, 18, New Rochelle High School. Rasheeda maintains a 96 average, enjoys math and is a member of the Black Culture Club. She recently completed a two-week training course on working with learning disabled children and children who have social/developmental disabilities.

• Lawrence Mesh, 17, Harrison High School.  Lawrence wants to attend Manhattan College and become a chemist. Since elementary school he has volunteered at a veterinary office in North White Plains.
                                                                      
• David Nelson, 17, Mount Vernon High School. Davis ranked 2nd in his graduating class. He is a member of the National Honor Society and received the Columbia University Book Award and the MVHS Scholar Athlete Award.  He is a math tutor for the National Honor Society.

• Karen Ortiz, 17, Saunders Trades and Technical High School. Karen wants to pursue a career in computers or mechanical engineering. She is a member of the National Honor and National Junior Honor Societies, Westchester Scholars and Club “90.” She is a tutor for the children in the Police Athletic League.

• Diana Pena, 17, Sleepy Hollow High School.  Diana wants to pursue a career in medicine. She is a member of Keystone Club, the Upward Bound Program, National Honor Society, English National Honor Society, Today’s Student, Tomorrow’s Nurses.

• Annie Ramos, 17, Sleepy Hollow High School. Annie loves to dance: jazz, hip hop and tap. She is co-founder of the Interact Club and a member of the English Honor Society, Foreign Language Honor Society, Student Government, Yearbook Committee, Task Force Committee, Prom Committee and W.I.S.E.  Annie was a contestant in the National American Miss Pageant and received the Spirited Award.

• Ana Sarmiento, 18, Port Chester High School. Ana is a pianist, drummer and photographer. She wants to pursue a musical career. She is a member of the Marching Band, Jazz Band, and Drama and Tennis clubs. She enjoys painting.

• Trevor Saunders, 17, Dobbs Ferry High School. Trevor is a star football, baseball and basketball player. He wants to pursue a career in sports management. He received the Dobbs Ferry’s Random Act of Kindness Award.

• Xavian Shaw, 18, Mount Vernon High School. Xavian was in the top 20 students of his class and is a member of the National Language Honor Society, International Club, Year Book Committee and the Fordham University Talent Search Program. He received the Undergraduate Award in U.S. History and Global History as well as a Mayoral Certificate of Recognition for Scholars.

• Bryan Vargas, 18, Mamaroneck High School. Bryan’s mother emigrated from Peru. He is a member of the Peer Leader Club, Spanish Club, Habitat for Humanity Club and received a certificate from the Transfer Orientation Program and a Peer Leaders Program Award.

• Jason White, 18, Mount Vernon High School.  Jason is on the wrestling and basketball teams. He is a member of the Newspaper Club, Yearbook Committee, Future Business Leaders of America, Fordham University Academic Talent Search Program, Model United Nations Team, and Chairman of American Student’s Fund. He received an Editor’s Choice Award in 2006 and a Team Fellowship Award in 2007.