On May 22, we proudly celebrated a major milestone as 10 Pedrozzi Young Scholars from the 2019 cohort graduated from high school. Eight scholars graduated from Granada High School and two graduated from Livermore High School.
Seven years ago, these students were recognized for their academic achievement, dedication, and hard work as 5th graders at Marilyn Avenue STEAM Academy and were invited to join the Pedrozzi Young Scholars Program. Since then, they have participated in academic enrichment and skill-building opportunities throughout middle and high school while receiving support and exposure to college, career, and vocational pathways alongside their parents and guardians.
To honor this exciting achievement, we gathered on Friday, May 22 with eight graduating scholars and their families for a special celebration recognizing their accomplishments and bright futures ahead.
Joining us for the celebration were Pedrozzi Foundation leaders including Board President Monica Moya, Past Board President Sharon Draggoo, Incoming Board President Frankie Tate, Executive Director Carolyn Siegfried, and Pedrozzi Young Scholars Program Manager Maggie Tufts.
We were also honored to welcome guests from LVJUSD, including Acting Superintendent Michelle Pachette and School Board Member Christiaan VandenHeuvel. Former Pedrozzi Board Member Gina Bonanno—who played an instrumental role in launching the Pedrozzi Young Scholars Program 10 years ago—joined us to celebrate this meaningful milestone. Former Marilyn Avenue Principal Denise Nathanson was also in attendance to recognize the students she first knew as elementary school scholars.
Special thanks to Quest Science Center for their continued partnership with The Pedrozzi Foundation and for generously providing Quest Plaza as the venue for this celebration. We also extend our sincere appreciation to Vaughn Draggoo and Adrian Bueno for helping prepare for the event and for their continued support of Pedrozzi Young Scholars.
During the celebration, Maggie Tufts shared words of recognition for each graduating scholar and encouraged them to stay connected, continue pursuing their goals, and return one day to share their experiences with future generations of Young Scholars.
A special congratulations to Itzayana Reyna, recipient of the Pedrozzi Young Scholar Award, presented in recognition of her hard work, perseverance, and dedication to the program. Itzayana will continue her education at Saint Mary’s College.
We are also excited to celebrate the next chapter for our graduates:
- Carlos Cabrera – San José State University
- Jonathan Ramirez Chavarria – San José State University
- Leslie Amaya Hernandez – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
- Alondra Garcia – Las Positas College
- Daniela Cristobal – Las Positas College
- Eduardo Ibarra – Las Positas College
- Giselle Vera – Las Positas College
Jesse Peterson and Guillermo Zambrano were unable to attend the celebration but remain an important part of this graduating cohort.
Congratulations to the Pedrozzi Young Scholars Class of 2019. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in the years ahead.
