Ventura County Community Foundation awards scholarships

The Ventura County Community Foundation has awarded more than $600,000 in scholarships to local students as part of its annual scholarship program. The dollar amount of scholarships awarded this year represents a doubling from just a year ago, as well as an expansion of several key initiatives.

“None of this would be possible without the many donors here in Ventura County who established funds with the express purpose of staking the next generation to a better future,” said Mary Leavens Schwabauer, chair of the foundation’s board and the scholarship advisory.

“We are thrilled to be able to help so many deserving students pursue their dreams of obtaining a college education,” said Schwabauer.

This year the James Basile Scholarships were expanded, due to the $6 million bequest of Simi Valley attorney James Basile.

Following are this year’s winners from Moorpark:

Students who won a $1,200 William A. Fairburn Jr. and Cynthia D. Fairburn Memorial Scholarship include Courtney Groden, Neal Glatt, Christina Kapucija, Naomi Klimasewska, Shannon Pflaumer and Sergio Pacheco, who also received a $500 Vicky Howard Community Service Award.

Recipients of a $20,000 James C. Basile Scholarship include Ashley A. Englander, Amanda Schmutzler and Jason Tai.

Other winners include Nick Bailey, $625 CALAVO Scholarship and Hsuan-Wen Chang, $500 Gerhardt Family Scholarship.

The Ventura County Community Foundation is a family of charitable funds created in 1987 by citizens who cared about strengthening the community, preserving and expanding its cultural resources, and helping those in need.

The foundation has over $12.8 million in endowed funds for scholarships and student-related programs.

To volunteer, contribute to the general scholarship fund, or want more information on starting a scholarship fund, please call (805) 988-0196 or visit www.vccf.org.