Two new funds, the L.E. and Eileen Castner Scholarship Fund and the Michael F. O’Donnell Memorial Scholarship Fund, have been added this year, bringing the total number of scholarship funds to 15. Established by generous donors, including individuals, families and organizations, in 2000 these funds provided 79 scholarships, totaling more than $112,000.

Competition for scholarships is based on both academic and non-academic factors as well as demonstrated financial need. Some funds target students from the donor’s specific areas of interest, which include high school attended, cultural background and academic/career focus.

The scholarship program matches eligible applicants to these funds, while providing a central application process to simplify access for students seeking financial aid.

The Sonoma County Community Foundation’s application form is required to apply for all scholarships. Several of the funds require additional application materials which must be submitted with the application form. Applicants must be residents of Sonoma County, unless otherwise specified in the fund description and plan to be registered as full time students. The deadline for receiving applications and materials is 5:00 pm Friday, March 30, 2001 in the Community Foundation office. No deadline extensions will be made. Scholarships will be announced in June.
Application forms are available on the Community Foundation’s website at www.sonomacf.org, in the guidance offices of all Sonoma County public high schools, at local Sonoma County library branches, or from the Sonoma County Community Foundation, 250 D Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95404. For additional information, contact Bob Hoekstra, Scholarship Coordinator, at 579-4073.

Sonoma County Community Foundation, with more than 180 different funds established by individual donors, community groups and nonprofit organizations, has distributed more than $18 million in grants and scholarships since it was established in 1983 to create an ongoing source of funds for charitable organizations. It is a vehicle for community philanthropy that enables individuals of both modest means and substantial wealth to contribute to a permanent endowment for Sonoma County.

2001 Scholarship Funds

Jay Deaton Memorial Scholarship Fund was created by an association of Jay Deaton’s friends who want to remember him by perpetuating his love of agriculture. Scholarships will be awarded to residents of Sonoma or Marin counties majoring in agriculture at a two- or four-year accredited college.

Charles DeMeo Scholarship Fund was established to fulfill Charles DeMeo’s wish to provide support for the education of single mothers who may be in danger of becoming homeless. Scholarships will be awarded to single mothers currently participating in an organized program of supportive/transitional housing services. A separate application is required for this scholarship.

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Sonoma County Fund provides scholarships to Sonoma County students of Hispanic descent. Scholarships will be awarded to residents with financial need who have demonstrated leadership and volunteer involvement in community or school affairs.

 Submit a one- to two-page typed essay describing family background, personal accomplishments and challenges, career goals, demonstrated leadership and your anticipated relationship with the Hispanic community.

Helen Kellum Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to Sonoma County residents with academic ability, realistic goals and financial need.

100 Black Men Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to deserving Sonoma County residents of African American descent. Scholar-ships will be awarded to students with financial need who are pursuing an education at a college, university or trade/technical school.

Patriot’s Organization Scholarship Fund  A graduate of El Molino High School who is interested in pursuing studies in environmental science, ecology, or the general study of sustainable management of resources, will receive this scholarship. An applicant’s interest will be demonstrated by high school course work, extracurricular activities and membership in local environmental groups.

 Submit one letter of recommendation from a community member recognized for leadership in the promotion of environmental causes.

Redwood Empire Estate Planning Council Scholarship Fund  The Redwood Empire Estate Planning Council established this fund to provide scholarships for students planning to pursue careers in business, law or accounting with the hope they may choose to become estate planners.

Richard T. Torkelson Memorial Fund for Journalism  Established in memory of Richard T. Torkelson, a Press Democrat reporter, this fund provides scholarships to students residing in Sonoma, Lake or Mendocino counties who are pursuing the study of journalism or communications.

 Two letters of recommendation from instructors or close associates (excluding relatives).

 A one-page autobiography.

 A 100-word essay on why you have chosen a career in journalism or communications

 A sample of your best writing for print or broadcast
Carlisle Van Ornum/H.E.L.P. Scholarship Fund — Healdsburg benefits Healdsburg High School graduating seniors who are interested in pursuing vocational degrees in business, trade or health-related fields from accredited vocational, business, or any California Junior or State College. Applicants’ eligibility will be determined by financial need, grades, community and school activities, leadership skills and vocational promise.

Carlisle Van Ornum Vocational Scholarship Fund — Cloverdale was established to assist Cloverdale High School graduating seniors who are interested in pursuing vocational degrees in business, trades or health-related fields from accredited vocational, business or any California Junior or State college. Applicants will be evaluated based on financial need, grades, community and school activities, leadership skills and vocational promise.

Andrea Vicini Memorial Scholarship Fund  Andrea Vicini had a high regard for the value of education and a particular love for the Italian language. This scholarship is granted in memory of Mr. Vicini and will be awarded to a student of Italian descent.

Andy Wallstrum Memorial Scholarship Fund   With this fund, the life work of Andy Wallstrum is honored by providing scholarships to students who are graduates of Lawrence Cook Middle School in Santa Rosa. Preference will be given to students who have demonstrated improvement in their academic grades or behavior.
 Submit one letter of recommendation from an instructor or principal verifying improvement in your academic grades or behavior.
Gertrude Young Memorial Horticultural Scholarship Fund  The family of Gertrude Young created this fund in her honor to provide scholarships and/or educational activities for Sonoma County residents interested in the field of horticulture.

L.E. and Eileen Castner Scholarship Fund  L.E. “Bud” and Eileen Castner, well-known and respected residents of Sonoma County since the 1930s, established the Castner Scholarships as a vehicle for their philanthropic work. The Castners’ legacy supports high school students of Sonoma County in the pursuit of a college education. Continuing in the Castners’ support of the Hanna Boys Center in Sonoma, California, students of the Center are encouraged to apply.

Michael F. O’Donnell Memorial Scholarship Fund  was established to honor the memory of Michael F. O’Donnell who was recognized as a brilliant litigator distinguished by the qualities of supreme decency, honesty, humility and humanity. This fund will award scholarships to students currently enrolled in law school or pursuing a law-related career.

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