$448,500 in Scholarships Awarded in 2025

The Pedrozzi Foundation is proud to announce the awarding of $448,500 in scholarships to 128 local students pursuing education through vocational training programs, community colleges, and universities nationwide. This year’s community college recipients include students preparing to enter the workforce upon certification in their chosen fields, as well as those planning to transfer to four-year institutions.

Among this year’s scholars is Courtney Miranda, who is earning her Master of Library and Information Science. “Being part of the Pedrozzi Scholar community is an immense honor,” Miranda shared. “It serves as a testament that hard work, resilience, and passion yield significant results, even in uncertain times. Mario Pedrozzi’s legacy and the Foundation’s mission are deeply inspiring. I aspire to contribute by preserving knowledge and history for future generations. I am grateful for the support that made this crucial part of my journey possible. I am proud to be a Pedrozzi Scholar.”

The newest Pedrozzi Scholars were celebrated at the Foundation’s annual recognition event, held at the Bankhead Theater in downtown Livermore. Scholars gathered to share educational plans, receive well-deserved recognition from family and friends, take commemorative photos, and collect symbolic items—including yard signs—to display their pride in becoming Pedrozzi Scholars.

Since its founding in 2008, the Pedrozzi Foundation has awarded more than $7.1 million in scholarships to over 1,900 graduates of Livermore schools.

In addition to honoring college-bound students, the Foundation recognized 15 new Pedrozzi Young Scholars for their academic excellence and exemplary behavior. These promising students from Marylin Avenue STEAM Academy receive ongoing support throughout middle and high school, with the goal of becoming Pedrozzi Scholars in 2032. The Pedrozzi Young Scholars Program is designed to promote equitable educational opportunities.

While most of the scholarship funding is drawn from an endowment established by Livermore businessman and former City Council member Mario Pedrozzi, 37 of this year’s scholarships were funded by generous community members. Livermore residents appreciate the Foundation’s ability to help them easily and confidently establish scholarships in honor of peers, family members, and friends.

One such example is the newly created Lee Davisson Memorial Scholarship, awarded to students whose educational journeys don’t follow a traditional path. The scholarship was established by Davisson’s wife, Heidi Kaseff, who invited family, friends, and colleagues to support students navigating non-linear paths to success, just as Davisson did. The first recipient is Melissa (Silva) Hernandez, a 2001 Granada High School graduate who has worked in the food industry as a cashier and assistant manager. She recently returned to school, starting at a community college and transferring to pursue a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance—all while working and raising two daughters. Though she now lives in Tracy, Hernandez remains proud of her Livermore roots, including her grandfather Roger Silva’s service as Livermore’s mayor in 1971.

Another inspiring recipient is Adelyne McMichael, who received the Dr. John Shirley Memorial Scholarship. McMichael plans to study Plant Biology and pursue a career in biotechnology or plant genetics to develop solutions for food security and climate resilience. She currently serves on the Livermore Youth Council, representing youth interests before the City Council and the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District. The Rotary Club of Livermore established the scholarship to honor Dr. Shirley’s lifelong dedication to his family, country, and community, including his service as a Livermore City Council member and mayor from 1958 to 1966.

These scholars reflect the deep civic legacy of Livermore. In fact, Mario Pedrozzi, who served on the City Council from 1962 to 1965, overlapped in service with Dr. Shirley, and it is quite possible both men crossed paths with Roger Silva. These interwoven histories highlight the enduring impact of community leaders who continue to inspire and support Livermore’s future generations.

View the list of 2025 Pedrozzi Scholars

2025 Pedrozzi Young Scholars: Kamila Ayala Gutierrez, David Garcia, Sariya Hudson, Antonio Lopez, Lily Martinez, Scarlett Martinez, Arek Nieto Buitron, Andrei Lyle Onate, Lucas Preston, Suzanne Ramos, Autumn Schoonover, Audrey Jerine Torio, Karla Vera Caballero, Scarlett Weems, Mateo Zavala Moreno

Melissa Hernandez (L) is the inagural recipient of the Lee Davisson Memorial Scholarship, established by Lee’s wife, Heidi Kaseff (R)

David Garcia joins his brother Diego as a Pedrozzi Young Scholar

Lukas and Erik Anderson are both 2025 Pedrozzi Scholars. Lukas received the Richard E. Zufan Vocational Scholarship funded by Art and Donna Pontau in honor of Donna’s father. Erik received an Undergraduate Scholarship as he continues earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering at University of Colorado Boulder.