Teen earns $1K scholarship from Sheriff's Foundation

PICO RIVERA - Samantha Hernandez was determined to rise above the label of "at-risk youth" and created a positive life for herself, thanks to her involvement with the Pico Rivera Youth Activities League (YAL).Because of her determination, Hernandez has earned the inaugural sheriff Leroy D. Baca Youth Scholarship Award, receiving $1,000 to help pay for post-high school education. Before her participation in YAL activities, Hernandez had struggled with homework and turned in incomplete assignments, resulting in poor grades. Since then, she has come to learn the importance of a good education and has improved her grades thanks to having the support network she so desperate needed. In a complete turnaround in attitude, her plans for the future include attending a four-year university, followed by the Sheriff's Academy and eventually patrolling the streets as a deputy sheriff. Hernandez was one of 15 honorees to be awarded scholarships at the Sheriff's Youth Foundation's 28th annual "Salute to Youth" Gala, held recently at the Beverly Hilton. "If we want to invest in our children, we have to keep that going beyond our doors and into the future," said Sgt. A.J. Rotella, executive director of the Sheriff's Youth Foundation. "This scholarship is one way we can help them in their continued pursuit of a better, successful life path, and we have great plans for expanding this program next year." Each of the evening's honorees were introduced by a video of interviews, discussing their lives before and after they got involved with the Sheriff's Youth Foundation. From behavioral issues to academics, they extolled the positive impacts of the foundation's programs, as well as their hopes and plans for the future.

********** Published: Oct. 31, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 29