The Pedrozzi Foundation recently awarded $505,000 in scholarships to 112 Livermore students.
Isabel Roy is graduating from Livermore High School and heading to UC San Diego to prepare for medical school. She shared, “I feel incredibly honored and grateful to be named a Pedrozzi Scholar. This recognition validates the hard work I’ve put into my academics and extracurriculars, especially my involvement in leadership roles and service initiatives. It also motivates me to continue giving back through the organizations and causes I’ve been passionate about. Being selected by the Pedrozzi Foundation reassures me that my efforts to make a meaningful impact truly matter. Thank you to the entire team for believing in me and investing in my future.”
Octavio Cerda Mena excitedly shares his plans from the stage of the Bankhead Theater.
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.
With this year’s scholarship awards, the Foundation reached an important milestone: since 2008, over 2,000 local students have received Pedrozzi Scholarships, totaling $7.6M. Those scholars pursued education through vocational training programs, community colleges, and universities nationwide. The community college scholarship recipients prepared to enter the workforce upon certification in their chosen fields or transferred to four-year colleges to earn bachelor’s degrees.
A second milestone was also celebrated: the 10th anniversary of the Pedrozzi Young Scholars Program through which the Foundation staff and community partners support academically strong students from Marylin Avenue STEAM Academy as they prepare throughout middle and high school to pursue higher education. The newest Pedrozzi Young Scholars were recognized for their academic excellence and exemplary behavior. The goal is for these students to become Pedrozzi Scholarship recipients in 2033 and feel empowered for success beyond high school.
Most scholarship funding comes from an endowment established by Livermore businessman and former City Council member Mario Pedrozzi, while many of this year’s awards were made possible by generous community donors. Mario’s gift enabled the Foundation to build a sustainable scholarship program and infrastructure that have been refined since 2008. In recognition of the Foundation’s expertise, individuals, families, and community organizations partner with it to administer their scholarships. These partnerships make efficient use of resources, reduce duplication, and expand support for students. Like the recipients themselves, the reasons for creating scholarships are wide-ranging: they may honor organizational founders, supportive family members, community leaders, accomplished colleagues, or inspiring teachers.
Kailey Gandolfo is Mario Pedrozzi’s extended relative.
Kailey Gandolfo received a scholarship funded by Mike and Beth Bland. She plans to become a teacher, and Beth recently retired from the Livermore School District after a long teaching career. While attending Granada High School, Kailey also took agriculture classes at Livermore High and participated in its Future Farmers of America program. A Livermore native whose family has lived in the community for generations, she also has a personal connection to the Pedrozzi Foundation: her father, Richard (Joe), is a relative of Mario Pedrozzi. It would be no surprise if Kailey returns to Livermore after graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to teach, following Beth Bland’s example, and continuing her family’s legacy in Livermore.
View the 2026 Recognition Event photo gallery here: https://stock.ronessexphotography.com/gallery/Pedrozzi-Foundation-2026-Scholarship-Recognition-Event-11May26/G0000Jw0YQXS9w2c/C0000CYGkpV_R2OI
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Thank you, Ron Essex Photography!
May 2026
