Around Town . . . with Robert Airoldi: Two nonprofits offer scholarships for 2021, 2022 graduating seniors

SURJ South County offers two $2,500 scholarships to high school students

Gema Abels was active as a Morgan Hill Unified School District teacher and also in local social justice endeavors.

By Robert Airoldi

Robert Airoldi

In memory of Gemma Abels, a local educator, activist, labor organizer and champion of social justice, the Edward Boss Prado Foundation will present two $2,500 scholarships to high school students graduating in either 2021 or 2022, for college, in partnership with SURJ South County (Showing Up For Racial Justice).

Gemma Abels embodied many values, including but not limited to: striving for equity, amplifying marginalized voices, a love of learning, and commitment to the community.

In order to apply, choose a medium of application that speaks to how your education will carry these values into the world: A piece of artwork, writing, video, podcast or . . . surprise them!

Additionally, please answer the following questions:

Tell them about a challenge you’ve faced in your life

• What difference would this scholarship mean to you and your family?

To apply, your family must earn less than $100,000 annually.

Applicants of any immigration/citizenship status are welcome to apply.

Application deadline is Sept. 7.

Scholarship winners will be announced at the third annual virtual Youth Conference on Race & Social Justice, Saturday Sept. 25. For more information or to register, visit: www.bit.ly/3yNDmQf or www.surjsouthcounty.com.

To submit please send attachments or links to: [email protected] with the subject “Gemma Abels Scholarship application” in the subject. Use that same email for questions or comments.

(Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alina Thackray)

Congratulations to Ephraim Aung who graduated from the Gilroy Early College Academy with a high school diploma and an associate’s degree in natural science. He was recently awarded the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps — NROTC Marine Option Scholarship. The $180,000 award is only given to 60 high school seniors throughout the United States.

Aung’s goal is to serve his country by training to be an airplane pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps.

“The reason I chose the Marines is because they hold themselves to the highest standards — and I respect that,” he said.  “I’ve lived in Gilroy for most of my life and I am grateful for all of the opportunities I found here. I hope to do my family and my nation proud.”

Want to get involved? The city of Gilroy is seeking four youth ages 12 to 18 to serve two year terms, ending September 2023 with the Gilroy Youth Commission. All applicants must reside within the jurisdictional area of the Gilroy Unified School District.

Applications may be completed and submitted online at www.cityofgilroy.org/. Applications may also be submitted by mail to: Gilroy City Clerk’s Office, 7351 Rosanna St. Gilroy, CA 95020 or by email to [email protected]. Applications are due by 5 p.m., Aug. 31. The City Council will interview applicants at 5 p.m. Sept. 20 at City Hall in the City Council Chambers. Applicants must be present at interviews to be considered for appointment.

With COVID-19 restrictions easing up, many people are looking forward to fun festivals this summer. As usual, scammers are finding ways to take advantage of the building excitement. This time, they are cashing in with phony tickets — and even fake events.

How the Scam Works

You see an amazing deal on tickets to a summer festival in your area, usually through a link on social media. The event promises live music, all-you-can-eat meals, craft beer or wine, or other fun activities.

When you click the social media link, it takes you to a professional website with fantastic pictures. You enter your credit card information to buy tickets, and you think you are all set. But before you buy, do a little research. Whether the event is non-existent, merely disappointing, or you just bought phony tickets, the result is the same: someone pockets your money!

Protect yourself from festival scams:

• Research before you buy.
• Check for (working) contact information.
• Watch out for prices that sound too good to be true.
• Pay with a credit card.
• Avoid tickets sold on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other free online listings.

For more information, read BBB’s tips for buying tickets to an event. For general information on how to avoid scams, visit BBB.org/AvoidScams.