Students submitted nearly 850 applications this year

Photo courtesy Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park

By Robert Airoldi

Robert Airoldi

In a heart-warming display of support for our community’s youth, the Gilroy Foundation awarded a staggering $495,950 in scholarships to local students including from the four Gilroy public high schools: Gilroy High School, Christopher High School, Dr. TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy, and Mt. Madonna High School.

The generosity is set to transform the lives of graduating seniors as well as community college transfer students, providing a crucial stepping stone towards their academic dreams.

Students submitted nearly 850 applications this year — up from last year’s total of 467, including a 40 percent increase in applications from Gilroy High School. Each scholarship application is thoroughly reviewed by volunteer readers and carefully evaluated and ranked. The highest-ranked applications are then reviewed by the newly formed Board of Directors Scholarship Equity Committee to ensure that as many Gilroy students as possible are being awarded scholarships.

Congratulations to all the scholarship recipients! We wish them well in their future endeavors! For more information, visit www.gilroyfoundation.org.

Attention all Gilroy children. This is a chance to read your way to a fun free day at Gilroy Gardens this summer. Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is partnering with the Gilroy Library to offer free daily admission tickets to Gilroy residents who visit the library at least five times.

“Gilroy Gardens is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate and inspire families, especially children,” said Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park President and General Manager Hoa Le. To be eligible for a free daily admission ticket, visitors to the park must show a valid Santa Clara County Library card and proof of Gilroy residency at the front gate, along with five different dated receipts for library materials checked out from Gilroy Library within the 2024 calendar year.

This special offer is only valid for daily park admission during the regular 2024 season and cannot be used for special events like Carnival Nights, The Great Big BOO, or North Pole Nights. For more information (and to get started on your reading adventure), visit the Gilroy Public Library at 350 W. Sixth St.

In more Gilroy Gardens news, the park announced teachers will get in for free during its special educator days celebration.

The people who teach South Valley’s youth deserve a fun summer vacation too — so Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is providing free admission for educators from July 15 through 28.

Educators need to show a valid educator ID at the front gate to qualify for this special offer. They can also bring up to six guests for just $20 each — a savings of 75 percent off a regular single-day ticket.

“As a non-profit education-focused organization, we are truly grateful for the hard work and dedication our teachers put in all year long,” said Michael Fulcher, director of marketing and operations for Gilroy Gardens. “This is our chance to say thank you — and welcome them and their families to enjoy a full day of fun at our beautiful park.”

Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park includes more than 40 rides and attractions, including the new Lakeside Splash water play area and The Green Barn interactive learning space, all nestled among six majestic gardens and more than 10,000 trees, including the world-famous Circus Trees. During the summer season, the park is open on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, visit gilroygardens.org or call (408) 840-7100.

The 2024 Freedom Fest Essay Contest showcases the creativity and patriotism of Morgan Hill’s young minds. Elementary school students were invited to express their thoughts on the theme “Red, White and You,” celebrating what makes America great.

Organized by Karen Crane, a retired local teacher, the contest encouraged students to reflect on the meaning of freedom. The essays demonstrate the kids’ appreciation for various professions and individuals, from first responders and armed forces to small business owners and nurses.

We are proud to present the winning entries in two divisions: Primary (grades K-3) and Intermediate (grades 4-5). These young writers have captured the spirit of Freedom Fest with their heartfelt tributes and insightful observations. Their inspiring essays remind us of the values we celebrate during Freedom Fest and the bright future of our community.

Read the essays at www.morganhilllife.com/2024/06/24/2004-freedom-fest-essays.