Scholarship Winners 2008
Stacie Hines
Stacie
Hines was born and raised in Sacramento, CA before setting off to the Midwest
where she attended college. Stacie graduated with a bachelor’s degree in
Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame in May 2000. After
working several years as a technology consultant she took a short sabbatical to
live and travel in Southeast Asia for seven months. Upon her return, she moved
to Fresno where her husband is working as a United States Naval Officer.
Enlightened by her travels, she was determined to assist low-income individuals,
and shortly thereafter was offered a position as a Program Manager for EOC’s
Local Conservation Corps. Stacie quickly became active in her new community and
was offered the opportunity to participate in Leadership Fresno’s graduating
class of 2007. After receiving a promotion to Director over EOC’s Sanctuary
Youth Services in April 2007, Stacie was eager to learn more about Social
Entrepreneurship and shortly thereafter began CSUF’s EMBA program. Stacie
anticipates completing the MBA program by the end of the 2008-2009 school year.
Stacie is and has been involved in many local organizations including the Human
Dignity, Inc, Fresno-Madera Continuum of Care for Homeless, Leadership Fresno,
Notre Dame Club of Central California and Fresno Citizens Corps Board of
Directors just to name a few. Last year Stacie was the recipient of the Fresno
Women’s Network Susan Melkonian Scholarship award and we are happy to have her
as a scholarship award winner again this year.
Monica Lockhart
Monica
Lockhart is a junior at Fresno Pacific College and pursuing a double triple
emphasis. Her academic goal is to graduate in May of 2009. With a degree in
Biblical studies, a degree in Business with an emphasis in Marketing and
Nonprofit.
Currently at United Way of Fresno County, she has assisted in coordinating and
staffing 30 free tax preparation sites for low income families through the
Financial Stability program started by United Way of America.
She has also been active in the WEConnect events in Fresno for Maria Shriver and
Arnold Schwarzenegger. While attending Chico State she created a program for
United Way of Butte and Glenn counties to partnership with low income families
and a person in the business world. This program helps them to manage monthly
budgets, credit card debt, and much more. At the end of the 10 month program,
the family will graduate from the program after they have met several program
goals and participate in a graduation ceremony. Her passion, dedication,
compassion and enthusiasm for helping others will certainly make her successful
as she follows her dream to build a career with non profit agencies.
Aimee Meidinger
At
first glance, you might not guess that Aimee Meidinger from Lockeford,
California, is a Plant Science major at Fresno State. But within a few minutes
of meeting her, you’ll be convinced that Aimee LOVES agriculture! And, her
enthusiasm is infectious! She first discovered her future career path in
agriculture education in high school when she became active in Future Farmers of
America, including raising four market hogs.
In high school and college, Aimee gave (and gives) her time and energy to
numerous community events and fundraisers, such as posting educational signs
about West Nile Virus at local parks, and being a coordinator for the Relay for
Life Team. She has a strong drive to give back to her community as a volunteer.
Attending college was an important step for Aimee, because she will be the first
person in her family to earn a Bachelor’s degree. When she enrolled at Fresno
State, she continued her service to FFA and currently is the Senior Chair of the
Public Relations sub-committee for the California State FFA Conference
Committee. Aimee completed the Bill Jones Ag One Leadership course and uses her
enhanced skills to mentor and develop other college students into leaders. The
connections to California Ag leaders she made in her Leadership course will
serve her well as she networks with colleagues state-wide. Aimee is also a
member of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Ambassador Team,
recruiting high school students to enroll in Ag programs at Fresno State.
AAimee has worked as a waitress, a bookstore clerk, a feed specialist and a
website designer. She has supported herself in college by working and through
student loans, while maintaining high grades and tireless service to others.
Currently, she is an intern at the California Apple Commission and the
California Kiwi Commission, which is providing additional career potential to
Aimee in her chosen field of educating people about agriculture.
Sylvia Sanchez
Sylvia
Sanchez is currently attending Alliant International University acquiring her
PHD. She is studying Educational Leadership and Management for Higher Education.
She is working on a “mentoring project” with the purpose of collaboration a
partnership between Fresno High School students and Fresno City College , in a
goal to see the students go through the academic system.
She has been involved in man community outreach programs such as Ladies
Auxiliary VFW 8900 and AMAE (Association of Mexican American Educators, Inc.)
After graduating Sylvia plans to become a coordinator or Director of programs.
Eventually becoming Dean of Fine Performing and Communication Arts or Associate
Dean of Cal Works in SCCCD.
Susan Garcia – Susan Melkonian Scholarship Recipient
Susan
Garcia is the proud recipient of the Susan G. Melkonian Scholarship for 2008.
Susan is originally from Tulare California and has spent 23 years here in
Madera. Throughout her many journeys in life, Susan performed many
administrative jobs from being a secretary to an office manager. With these
skills Susan decided to open a daycare facility in her home which allowed her
freedom and the opportunity to find her true passion, helping children.
During the time of her daycare business Susan also got married, received her tax
preparations license and had two children. She was very active in her son’s
lives and participated as a Den Leader in the Scouts, was involved in the Madera
Youth Soccer League and helped chair the annual coat drive for five years. Susan
eventually decided to return to school.
She enrolled at Reedley College at the Madera Center majoring in Psychology. She
transferred to California State University, Fresno and graduated with a Bachelor
of Arts Degree in Psychology. She wanted to help children that were forced to
deal with traumas and difficult childhoods such as herself being raised in an
abusive environment. She is currently pursuing her doctorate at Alliant
International University, California School of Professional Psychology. Her plan
is to stay here in the Valley and work for the Madera County Mental Health
department and then open a private clinic. With her determination and drive to
help children, Susan is a great representative of individuals who find the drive
to succeed and play an integral part in our local community.