Wilson Scholarship Committee Continues with Scholarship Fundraising

The Wilson Scholarship Committee held their annual scholarship fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 28, to raise funds for graduating Colton High School (CHS) seniors. In the 12 years that the committee has been active, it has awarded hundreds of students with scholarships. Committee Chairman Ernie Colunga understood the fast-paced world many students dive into after high school, he shared. “We do this to give back to our community.” Composed of accomplished community members, Colunga and his committee members understand the value of education and hard work. Dr. Louis Gomez, member of the committee, continued his education to receive his bachelor’s and Ph.D. degrees. Dr. Gomez was encouraged by a teacher to apply to USC days before the application deadline. Colunga shared that he and the Scholarship Committee recognize that scholarships are a way to motivate students to continue to strive for success in their educational careers. This, he shared, has in turn affected both the scholarship recipients and their families. “[Their] siblings follow in their footsteps,” said Colunga. For scholarship winner Hernan Diaz, the scholarship motivated him to try his best at his future school, University of California, Riverside (UCR). “Any money helps; it was a very good feeling. It made me realize that there are people out there [who] want you to push yourself. It gives me a sense of gratitude.” Accompanied by his mother, Diaz also had the privilege of thanking the people who were part of the scholarship. He also had the chance to show his mother that there are opportunities for all students if they seek help. Dr. Gomez and Colunga host these events to show the scholarship donors where their money goes and how past scholarship recipients have used the funds to launch their educational careers. “It puts a face to the scholarship,” the organizers shared. Accompanied by free vouchers for lunch and drinks, the scholarship fundraiser is, for the committee, a way to bring the community together and encourage them to support future graduates. The picnic also had an array of displays depicting the history of the city of Colton. The committee plans to continue their fundraising events throughout the year.