2025 SCHOLARSHIPS
Celebrating a Record Year of Scholarships!
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors and the Foundation’s deep roots in the Santa Ynez Valley, a record-breaking $85,000 in scholarships is helping 50 local students take the next step toward their college dreams.
The 2025 awards celebrate 30 graduating high school seniors — including 27 from Santa Ynez Valley Union High School and 3 from Dunn School — honored for their academic excellence, personal growth, community involvement, and bold aspirations.
We’re also proud to continue our support for 20 college sophomores, renewing scholarships that began when they were high school seniors. It’s all part of our commitment to helping local students thrive — not just at the start, but every step of the way.
Congratulations 2025 Scholarship Recipients!
2025 Santa Ynez Valley Union High School scholarship honorees pictured with SYV Foundation representatives.
David & Jan Crosby Scholarship
Celebrating creativity and artistic expression.
Naomi Ferguson and Alison Willis were chosen for embodying those values through their passion and commitment to the arts.Walter Hanson Scholarship
Walter Hanson Scholarship
Kimberly Medina and Chloe Ann Perez
Named in honor of Walt Hanson, editor and publisher of the local newspaper from 1929 to 1945, the scholarship recognizes students dedicated to careers rooted in service to others.
Youth Community Champion Awards
Lizbeth Ortiz Aguilera, Rafael Beleski, Emma Tisdahl
Champions of the Valley youth honorees were recognized at the October 2024 celebration for their volunteer service, each receiving a $1,000 scholarship.
Scholarship recipients: Santa Ynez Valley Union High School
Jesse Arango • Jadon Bailey • Samantha Barboza • Eric Brians • Jazmin Briceno • Addison Bunke • Nataly Davalos • Jackson Elliott • Saira Fernandez • Aaron Figueroa • Adrian Garcia • Addison Godfrey • Sadie Godfrey • Kea Gonzalez-Lishman • Mykah Hardy Moniot, • Kaitlyn Hicks • Ryder McClurg • Presley Miller • Malia Ortiz • Natalie O'Shaughnessy • Yasmin Ozkan • Meara Samaan • Sofia Goretti Tinajero Suarez.
Scholarship recipients: Dunn School
Adin Kokorowski • Griffin Markee • Tanner Rhodes
Second Year College Scholarships
Twenty college students received scholarships to support their second year of study, building on the awards they first earned as high school seniors. Each continues to pursue their education with distinction and dedication.
Marcelo Andrade • Gabriel Beleski • Rafael Beleski • Darien Gelles • Tessa Haws • Charley Hrehor • Santana Huizar • Lizbeth Jimenez • Kayla Morrell • Lizbeth Ortiz Aguilera • Stephanie Pedersen • Samara Perez • Mackenzie Peters • Felice Pulido • Julia Rhodes • Kira Scheck • Abby Snow • Anna Solem • Ryleigh Thomas • Lily Tullis