Morgan Hill – More than $1 million in scholarships were awarded to 180 Live Oak High School graduating seniors Wednesday evening.
The total might even be higher, according to career center coordinator Jan Bergkamp, because though she tried to get information from all seniors, every year there are some scholarships awarded that she is not aware of.
Reported scholarships totaled $1,175,572.
“We had students who received full rides for four years to colleges and quite a few large college scholarships,” Bergkamp said.
Students met some of their benefactors Wednesday night at a reception.
The idea is to make the event a special one for the seniors, Bergkamp added. The students have worked hard to earn the scholarships and the right to wear the gold and silver cords, she said.
The high school will hold a commencement ceremony on June 16 at 6pm at Richert Field. The annual Live Oak Grad Night, designed to keep students safe and sober during a fun event with their classmates, will follow at 10pm in the gym.
Bergkamp, who works with students in Live Oak’s career center, said she was excited about the number of scholarships and the large number of donors.
Students received scholarships to attend Sonoma State University, UCBerkeley, DePaul University, University of Arizona, Biola University, University of Redlands, Brigham Young University, Santa Clara University, UCLA, Arizona State, DeAnza College and Gavilan College.
Other scholarships for the seniors came from a variety of sources, including the Mushroom Mardi Gras Committee, Morgan Hill Police Officers Association, American Association of University Women, Rotary Club of Morgan Hill, Bank of America, California Scholarship Federation, National Elks, Uesugi Farms, South County Cattlewomen’s Association, Gilroy Garlic Festival, Saint Louise Regional Hospital and Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.
Scholarships were also awarded by Morgan Hill School District organizations, including Home and School clubs, Live Oak Associated Student Body, Morgan Hill Grange Hall, Future Business Leaders of America, Future Farmers of America, Interact Club and Emerald Regime Band & Color Guard.
During the awards ceremony, 57 seniors received gold cords, while 24 seniors received silver cords.
Gold cords are given to the top 10 percent of the graduating class of 2006 and the silver cords are given to students committed to community service. Both cords are worn over the graduation gowns at graduation.
A complete list of scholarship recipients and cord awards will be published in The Times special graduation section June 20.
Marilyn Dubil covers education and law enforcement for The Times. Reach her at (408) 779-4106 ext. 202 or at md****@mo*************.com.
