By Georgianna Hall
Monticola Club Scholarship Committee
Susanville’s Monticola Club honored the organization’s 2024 scholarship winners at its April 18th luncheon. The local women’s volunteer community service organization is celebrating 112 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.
Nicholas Bamerio is the 2024 recipient and will attend Montana State University to pursue a degree in film and photography. As well as his studies, he is currently an intern with a local professional photographer.
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.
Jessica Nakanishi is the 2024 recipient and will be attending Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, Pennyslvania, majoring in biology with a view to becoming a physician.
The Monticola Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Kahlen Somerville. Kahlen will be attending Grand Canyon University in Pheonix, Arizona, majoring in exercise science with an emphasis in physical therapy to become a traveling physical therapist. This summer she is hoping to intern for a local physical therapist.
The Monticola Vocational Scholarship was first awarded in 1984. This year’s recipient is Tyler Dei Rossi Wood. Tyler has worked as a ranch hand, on welding and fabrication projects, operated and maintained heavy equipment and held an internship on a farm. He will be attending Butte College, majoring in engineering and fire science. His goal is to become a heavy equipment operator for Cal-FIRE.
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 11th, Monticola Club members will host a special Mother’s Day Brunch to help fund the scholarship program and other programs.
