Submitted by Georgianne Hall
Susanville’s Monticola Club honored the organization’s 2023 scholarship winners at its April 20th luncheon. The local women’s volunteer community service organization is celebrating 111 years of service and has awarded more than 200 scholarships to local students since 1959.
The Etta Tarry Memorial Scholarship of $1000 is awarded to a Lassen College student graduating and continuing his or her education at an accredited college or university.
Madelaine Vera Curzio is the 2023 recipient and plans to attend Chico State in the fall and major in education with the goal of obtaining her teaching credential.
Monticola awards three scholarships of $500 each to a graduating high school student.
The Spencer Memorial Scholarship was first awarded in 1959. This scholarship is named in honor of the club’s founder, Philenda Spencer and her two daughters, Iva Raker, wife of an early California congressman, and Superior Court Judge Gladys Burroughs.
Elise Giles, a graduate of Mt. Lassen Charter School, is the 2023 recipient and will be attending either UC Davis or College of Idaho majoring in biology and health sciences. After completing her Bachelor’s degree, she intends to enter a physical therapy PhD program to become a neurological physical therapist.
The Monticola Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Manny LaPorte. Manny, a musician as well as a scholar, will be attending either UC Berkeley or Cal Poly to major in architecture.
The Monticola Vocational Scholarship was first awarded in 1984. This year’s recipient is Kaden Dunten. Kaden has taken classes in his chosen field of welding at both Lassen High School (where he was a TA in welding) and Lassen Community College. He will continue acquiring skills in welding at Lassen College as he works towards an Associate in Science degree.
These students are recognized for their academic achievement, athletic skills, community service, and leadership. There were many outstanding applicants, which made it challenging to select just a few.
All Monticola members congratulated the students and wished them well.
Monticola was founded in 1912 and members have focused on a variety of community service projects including the library, health and safety issues, and the HLVRA swimming pool. On Saturday, May 12th, Monticola Club members will host a special Mother’s Day Brunch to help fund the scholarship program and other programs.
