College Bound Graduates, The Journey Continues

After fours years of high school, we said thank you and congratulations to our College Bound graduating seniors at the College Bound Celebration on May 29 at the Warner Grand Theatre.

Argelia Atilano addresses our graduating seniors.

For many of the students, going to college seems like a very difficult dream to accomplish. The rising cost of tuition, strict application requirements and distractions students face in high school push that dream further away. However, when students enter our College Bound centers at our San Pedro, Wilmington and Port of LA Clubs, they are provided with the resources and support they need to accomplish their dreams.

College Bound Celebration keynote speaker, Argelia Atilano of KLove Radio and Univision TV, has roots in our local community. She told attendees of seeing a young girl standing outside of an apartment building on Pacific Avenue in San Pedro near the apartment where she once lived. In that girl, Argelia said that she saw, "Argelia the dreamer," who had no idea that she would one day be awarded a scholarship to Loyola Marymount University and develop a successful career as a radio and TV personality. It was a great reminder to our youth of how far they have come and all they will soon accomplish.

Cathy Choi of the Eisner Foundation receives an

artistic token of appreciation from our youth.

Executive Director Mike Lansing started the College Bound program in 2002 and has watched it grow into the program it is today, with over 300 high school seniors being honored at this year's celebration. When addressing our graduating youth, he reminded them to "work harder and work smarter," as they enter the next stage of their lives.

Congratulations College Bound graduates, class of 2014!

College Bound volunteer Kathy Logan (far right) is honored by

Mike Lansing, Board President Yvonne Bogdanovich and
College Bound Director Yesenia Aguilar.

The College Bound Celebration also gives us the opportunity to thank supporters of the program. The Eisner Foundation which has provided funds essential to the expansion of College Bound through the years was given special recognition during the celebration. College Bound volunteer Kathy Logan was also honored for her dedication to our youth.

Thanks to our generous supporters, during the celebration we awarded $122,000 in scholarships to 46 graduating seniors making a significant impact in the lives of our graduates. Scholarships were donated by:

Charles Abbott Family Foundation

College Access Foundation

College Bound Alumni

Herb and Arlene Zimmer

Joe Rich Family Foundation

John Gogian Family Foundation

Palos Verdes Junior Women's Club

Palos Verdes Peninsula Rotary Club 

San Pedro Rotary Club

Board member, Suzy Zimmerman of State Farm

Board member Suzy Zimmerman presented her own scholarship as well as scholarships from the 

Palos Verdes Peninsula Rotary where she serves as president.

San Pedro Rotary incoming president Arlene Dickey presents a scholarship.

College Bound Director Yesenia Aguilar with one of our scholarship recipients.

Herb and Arlene Zimmer present their scholarship.

For the first time, two of our College Bound alumni raised funds for a scholarship. Christian Velasquez, currently attending LMU, and David Rosales, currently attending CSU Stanislaus, with their scholarship recipient.