Media Corner

For Immediate Release
June 30, 2008

Central Basin Recognizes Five Outstanding Students with 2nd Annual Water Scholar Award

Commerce, CA- Central Basin Municipal Water District Board of Directors proudly presented five college-bound students with its second annual Water Scholar Award during this month's board meeting. The $5,000 scholarship will support the students in their pursuit of water industry-related areas of study at the universities of their choice.

Developed in 2007, this unique scholarship program provides high school seniors from Southeast Los Angeles County with much-needed funding for college tuition, books and related expenses. From molecular biology to environmental science, recipients of this year's Water Scholar Award will be enrolling in a range of programs this fall, exemplifying the many opportunities available within the industry today.

"With the success of this program last year, it was important that we brought it back, to afford five more outstanding students the opportunity for high learning," said Central Basin Board President Robert Apodaca. "The state's water industry is growing rapidly. Now, these students will be prepared to take advantage of the career opportunities that lie ahead, and leave their mark as future leaders in the field."

The five recipients of this year's competitive scholarship program were selected by an award committee based on academic excellence, demonstrated leadership and future career aspirations. In addition, each student was required to show proof of admission into a four-year, California college or university for the fall 2008 term. One scholarship recipient was selected from each of the District's five divisions, which encompass a total of 24 cities throughout Southeast Los Angeles County.

"We couldn't be prouder of these students," continued Director Apodaca. "The competition was tough, but these students stood out with their impressive academic credentials. We wish them all the luck!"

The scholarship program is sponsored annually by each Director on Central Basin's five-member Board: Director Ed Vasquez representing Division I; Director Robert Apodaca representing Division II; Director Art Chacon representing Division III; Director Rudy Montalvo representing Division IV; and Director Phillip Hawkins representing Division V.

Water Scholar Award Winners

Zachary Helsley, a graduate of Warren High School in Downey, attained a Cumulative GPA of 4.48 and an A.P. GPA of 4.67. He has been accepted to UC-Berkeley as an Environmental Science major for the fall 2008 semester. (Director Edward Vasquez, Division I)

Nelson Gaspar, a recent graduate of El Rancho High School in Pico Rivera, has a Cumulative GPA of 3.95 and an A.P. GPA of 3.94. He has been accepted to UC-Los Angeles as a Molecular Developmental Biology major for fall 2008. (Director Robert Apodaca, Division II)

Rosenda Morales graduated from Huntington Park High School in the City of Huntington Park, where she attained a Cumulative GPA of 3.85. She has been accepted to UC-Berkeley as a Biology major for the fall 2008 semester. (Director Art Chacon, Division III)

Alma Ramirez, a graduate of Southeast High School in South Gate, attained a Cumulative GPA of 3.71 and an A.P. GPA of 3.65. She has been accepted to UC-Berkeley as a Biology major for the fall 2008 semester. (Director Rudy Montalvo, Division IV)

Rachel Wu, a recent graduate of Gahr High School in the City of Cerritos, has a Cumulative GPA of 3.23. She has been accepted to UC-Santa Barbara as a Biology major for fall 2008. (Director Phillip Hawkins, Division V)

From left to Right: Alma Ramirez, Rosenda Morales, Rachel Wu, and Nelson Gaspar.