Risher Mortuary awards ‘Caring For Others’ scholarships

Pictured above are Nancy Valdez, general manager of Risher Mortuary and Cremation Service (center, along with scholarship winners Elani Lemus (left) and Sarah Ochoa from Calvary Chapel High School in Downey.

Once again, Barbara Risher Welch and her husband, Greg Welch, owners of Risher Mortuary and Cremation Service, provided $500 scholarships to high school graduates from Downey schools.

The scholarship is named “Caring For Others” and the concept is rather unique, according to Greg Welch. Through an essay format, students simply explain how they plan to use their next level of education to “care for others.”

Neither grade point average nor career choice are factored into the scholarships.

“The passion to reach out to those in need is often in short supply in our society,” said Greg. “Barb and I have decided to nurture that very concept such that our young people may enter adulthood with a servant’s heart. Everyone can care for others”.

This year’s winners are as follows:

Elani Lemus and Sarah Ochoa from Calvary Chapel High School of Downey

Melany Paz-Lopez of Columbus High School

Elena Solorzano of Downey High School

Jocelyn Llanes of Warren High School