Media Corner

For Immediate Release
June 23, 2009

Central Basin Recognizes Five Outstanding Students With Third-Annual Water Scholar Award

Commerce, CA- The Central Basin Municipal Water District Board of Directors honored five college-bound students this week with the District's third-annual Water Scholar Award. Each student received a $5,000 scholarship to support their pursuit of a water industry-related area of study at a California university or college of their choice. The scholarship was developed in 2007 to provide high school seniors from Southeast Los Angeles County with much-needed funding for college tuition, books and related expenses.

"The Water Industry is a dynamic field and one that has a significant role in the future of California's economy and development," said Central Basin Board President Ed Vasquez. "Central Basin is proud to support these outstanding young people in their individual quests to become leaders in our state's water future."

In January, the Water Scholar Award was advertised to high school principals, science department chairs, and guidance departments throughout Central Basin 24-city service area. The scholarship was also advertised in Central Basin print and electronic publications.

An award committee selected the five recipients of this year's competitive scholarship program based on academic excellence, demonstrated leadership and career aspirations. Each student was required to show proof of admission into a four-year, California college or university for the fall 2009 term. One scholarship recipient was selected from each of Central Basin's five divisions, which encompass a total of 24 cities and unincorporated communities throughout Southeast Los Angeles County.

Water Scholar Award Winners

Division I (Director Ed Vasquez): Kevin Ninomiya lives in Downey and attends Warren High School, where he has attained a GPA of 4.43 and an Advanced Placement GPA of 4.52. He is ranked fifth out of 737 seniors and has been accepted to the University of California, Berkeley as an Engineering major for fall 2009.

Division II (Director Robert Apodaca): Nicholas Russell lives in Whittier and attends La Serna High School, where he has attained a GPA of 3.78 and an Advanced Placement GPA of 4.02. He is ranked 27th out of 544 seniors and has been accepted to University of California, Los Angeles as an Electrical Engineering major for fall 2009. (Director Robert Apodaca, Division II)

Division III (Director Art Chacon): Manuel Cruz lives in East Los Angeles and attends Schurr High School in Montebello, where he has attained a GPA of 3.33 and an Advanced Placement GPA of 3.47. He is ranked 70th out of 642 seniors. He has been accepted to University of California, Riverside as a Biology major for fall 2009.

Division IV (Director Rudy Montalvo): Sandy Diaz lives in South Gate and attends Southeast High School, where she has attained a GPA of 3.47 and an Advanced Placement GPA of 3.62. She is ranked 29th out of 574 seniors and has been accepted to University of California, Riverside as an English major for fall 2009.

Division V (Director Phillip Hawkins): Sarah Leung lives in Cerritos and attends Cerritos High School, where she has attained a GPA of 3.73. She is ranked 56th out of 502 seniors and has been accepted to University of California, Irvine as a Civil Engineering major for fall 2009.

Note to Editor: Photos available upon request.