Brigitte Naughton LCAD 2011 Scholarship Recipient

"Dear Grapes for Grads,

Thank you for the scholarship I received in June 2011. I am currently studying biology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where I also aim to earn an English minor. After graduating, I hope to attend medical school and join Doctors Without Borders before working in a surgical field. The Grapes for Grads Scholarship helped me greatly in succeeding in college. From housing costs to costly books, the expenses of college often grow more burdensome than the schoolwork. The generous scholarship awarded to me, however, allows for me to focus my time on my studies rather than worrying about how I am going to pay for my studies. My gratitude motivates me not only to succeed academically, but also take advantage of all opportunities at UCSB. I am enrolled in the honors program and I participate in Chemistry Club and Outdoor Excursions Club. This week I am starting my first assignment for the school newspaper, The Daily Nexus. As I sit on the eighth floor of the library with my chemistry book and a beautiful view of campus, I cannot thank you enough for aiding in my academic pursuits.

Thank you!"
-Brigitte Naughton

Daniel Mulligan LCAD 2011 Scholarship Recipient

"I cannot thank you enough for the financial support you have given me to pursue my dreams. Your scholarship has eased my burden and allowed me to really put time into my artwork. The sad fact about college today is that costs are high and time is limited. Often I had to worry about working a part time job to make up most of my living expenses, but this scholarship coupled with a lucky internship opportunity has really alleviated my work stress. Now I have weekends! Incredible to think the difference a full day of open time can make in dealing with assignments. My grades have improved, I feel like I have grown as an artist, and I’ve been able to enjoy what southern California has to offer more. Thanks again, have a great day!"

- Dan Mulligan

Christianne Kinder LBHS 2011 Scholarship Recipient

"My name is Christianne Kinder and I received the Grapes for Grads Scholarship award this past summer. I am currently enrolled in my second semester at Babson College, a top ranked entrepreneurial and business college with mandatory liberal arts, on the outskirts of Boston. First off, I have found my experiences living away from home extremely enriching. The environment here at Babson is comfortable, inspiring, and diverse. My first year is involved in a class called Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship (FME). The class is split in half and is focused on students running their own businesses while holding leadership positions. My peers have elected me as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of our business.
In addition to classes, I have become involved in the Babson community. I was elected as Senator for First-Year Residence Hall Council, where I work as a Student Government Association representative whose roll is to unite Babson students. I am High Jumping on the Varsity Track & Field NCAA Division III team. I also joined the Babson College Volleyball Club and the Babson Players theater group. I have managed to accomplish all of these activities and achieve Honors my first semester. Babson College has invited me to join their Honors Program. The invitation is extended only during the beginning of spring semester to academically accomplished students, after they have proven themselves as a freshman or transfer student with less than 50 credits, and not upon admission or any other time. Acceptance into the program carries with it an opportunity of $3,000 per year, a two-semester Honors Project, a credit–bearing Honors International Program at either London School of Economics with an internship in a British company, or courses at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy involving European Union and multinational companies, and an opportunity to graduate with Honors. I am extremely thankful to have had the support of Grapes for Grads this school year!"

-Christianne Kinder

Stephanie Snee LCAD 2011 Scholarship Recipient

"As a full-time student with work on the side, I have enormous gratitude for Grapes for Grads. This scholarship alleviated a significant portion of the rising tuition costs, allowing me to buy much needed art supplies and spare my family the financial burden. The support from Laguna's community helped me succeed during my senior year at Laguna College of Art and Design and progress on my journey to becoming a professional artist. I thank the generous donors who gifted me the opportunity to pursue a BFA in Illustration and Fine Art at a great college. I am honored to be included in a legacy of communal aid and enthusiasm for arts education that will be appreciated by students for years to come."

-Stephanie Snee

Jake Michaels LBHS 2011 Scholarship Recipient

"I am studying hotel administration at Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration. With the help of the Grapes for Grads Scholarship, I have had the opportunity to pursue my passions in leadership, athletics, and academics at the school of my dreams.
I am a freshman this year and was recognized as a Meinig Family Cornell National Scholar. This program selects the top two percent of accepted applicants to Cornell who display outstanding leadership in their application. In addition, I have had the privilege to play a semester of Cornell varsity tennis as well as to join the Cornell varsity football team. Along with my ventures in leadership and athletics, I earned a 3.57 GPA during my first semester at Cornell.
I want to sincerely thank Grapes for Grads for assisting me in my journey."

-JAKE MICHAELS

Brigitte Naughton LCAD 2011 Scholarship Recipient

"Grapes for Grads helped me with the cost of college during a period of economic hardship. The scholarship contributed to both tuition and living expenses, allowing me to fully focus on school during my last year at Laguna College of Art & Design. I would like to thank the Grapes for Grads Committee and the Rotary Club of Laguna Beach for their generous gift.
Thanks!"

- Michelle

Charlene Chand LCAD 2012 Logo Designer

"I'm really excited that my logo was chosen for this year's Grapes for Grads event! It was a great experience designing the logo. I enjoyed working on this project because it is directly related to the career field I want to pursue – design.
I'm a student at Laguna College of Art and Design, almost ready to graduate. I chose to attend LCAD because of it's strong community feel and I'm so glad that Grapes for Grads supports both the community and arts in Laguna Beach.
Thank you for the support in helping me achieve my art goals. The scholarship, from designing the logo, will aid in my tuition payments as well as give me exposure as a designer. I am so happy to be a part of the Grapes for Grads event! Thank you, to Grapes for Grads, the donors, and the Rotary Club of Laguna Beach, for this scholarship opportunity. I really appreciate it."

Thank you so much,
Charlene Chand"