The Wilson Scholarship Committee Ties the Knot After 11 Successful Years

What started as a group of South Colton residents gathering for periodic picnics to simply visit and get to know one another slowly transformed into the successful organization, today known as the Wilson Scholarship Foundation. After 11 years of contributions to the futures of Colton High School (CHS) graduates as they embark on their college years, the Wilson Scholarship Committee will be closing its operation after their last holiday dance scheduled for December of this year. Committee members share that health reasons are the driving force behind this decision. The Committee will honor one more CHS graduate with a scholarship before disbanding. The early group of locals that planted the seed for this mission, which has put over $110,000 directly into the education of approximately 100 high school graduates, according to Secretary and Treasurer Dr. Luis S. Gomez, would collect money from early picnic attendees to pay for the food. The group then decided to donate any extra funds in form of a scholarship to a CHS graduate. The group that planned these picnics each year had a lot of former members of Troop 45 Boy Scouts. The Scoutmaster for this group was community legend Ray Abril Sr., who helped motivate the kids to stay in the direction of education to better their future. The picnic group held a dinner in San Bernardino to honor Abril Sr. for all he had done for them throughout their childhood. Unfortunately he was very sick and was unable to attend the dinner, and passed away the next day. A few weeks after the dinner, Luis Fuerte decided to put the effort in to keep the group together. Fuerte, who was a cameraman by trade, stayed with the group for many years until his decision to resign after starting work as an independent cameraman. Ernie Colunga, now Chairman for the committee, was also a driving force in forming and keeping the group together. Abril’s son, Ray “Sonny” Abril Jr. was a member of the committee and instrumental in keeping the group intact until he passed away, as well. Together, the committee decided that their main focus would be scholarships to CHS students in support of their roots as every single member in the group graduated from there. Education was always a main focus for the group. This is evident by the purpose of the organization and the strong number of members holding their doctorate degrees. The whole group grew up together and went to the same schools throughout their childhood years, one of which was Wilson Jr. High; the motivation behind the Committee's name. "If anyone wishes to take over the group, we will support that, but at this time we prefer to not to have the name The Wilson Scholarship Committee used," member Luis Hernandez stated. Scholarship recipients are selected directly by the Committee members through a selection process. Students must have at least a 2.5 grade point average and demonstrate financial need to be considered. Counselor at CHS, Daniel Checko helps encourage students to apply for the scholarship. The number of scholarships the Committee gives out each year varies depending on how much money they are able to raise. Monies are raised through the Committee's annual picnic, holiday Christmas dance, Spring dance held in March, and year-round donations from the community. The first scholarship given was for $500, and as time went on amounts increased. One year 20 scholarships were given at $1,000 each, while most years resulted in 10 scholarships at $1,000 each. There will be one more for the 2015 school year. Students are encouraged to apply by contacting their counselor, Daniel Checko. The group includes: Ernest Colunga, Eddie Castorena, Dr. Ernie Garcia, Luis Gomez, Luis Hernandez, Irene Martinez, Rudy Ramirez, James Reese, Dr. Tom Rivera, Cesario Sanchez, Clara Serrano and Herlinda Hernandez. Lily Rivera, Mary Lou Colunga, Gloria Arroyo also helped in multiple projects throughout the years. Chairman Ernie Colunga, Secretary and Treasurer Dr. Luis Gomez and every other member in the committee would like to "celebrate the people of the community who have stepped forward all these years and helped us raise the money to give to these students... and local educators, recipients and committee," Hernandez shared. The Committee's next event will be held on Oct. 4 at Veterans Park in South Colton, starting at 10 a.m. The charge is $25 per person or $40 per couple. The “October Festival”, as the event is named, will include a DJ, food, door prizes and more. All past scholarship recipients are encouraged to attend. "We're reaching out to the community to hopefully make this year, our last year, the most successful year,” Luis Hernandez shared.