Military veterans incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison continue giving to their country by awarding scholarships to local high school students.
“This highly ceremonial event reflects our respect for American values,” said Chairman Fernando Lemus of the Vietnam Veterans Group of San Quentin (VVGSQ).
High school seniors with military parents or guardians submit essays. Winners are selected by the VVGSQ Scholarship Committee.
Banquet tables were arranged in the shape of sergeant chevrons.
Flags were displayed representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Vietnam Veterans of America, and POW/MIA. The POW/MIA flag carries the message: You Are Not Forgotten.
The first award of $1,500 went to Rosa Valdés of Vanden High School in Fairfield. She plans to study biology as she works toward a degree in medicine at The University of California at Berkeley.
Valdés acknowledged the need for more positive role models for the younger generation.
“I think it’s amazing that you guys are doing this from the inside. I hope that this will get out to the community so others can participate. Thank you for all this, you guys have really made me feel good,” she added.
The second scholarship of $1,250 went to Kameryn Ray, a senior at Pittsburg High School in Pittsburg. This soft-spoken, shy, winner plans to attend Xavier College in New Orleans, La.
She said she was initially apprehensive about coming inside San Quentin, she reported she was glad she did because the veterans made her feel accepted.
Her Aunt Carla commented, “I’m so proud of her. She has great goals and aspirations and I’m here to watch her succeed. She can relate to the disadvantage (of growing up in poverty), because that’s the way she grew up.”
“I look around and see the things that you guys are doing here today. I wish that society could see the things that I see here. It’s a lot different than the things I see on the television. This is why my niece was scared to come in,” she added.
The third award of $500 went to Jon Rich of Rancho Cotate High School.
Rich was valedictorian of his class. He gives his parents much credit as good role models.
His parents expressed pride at the way their son developed into a mature young man. “Maybe after he gets some college he’ll sign up to serve his country,” his father said. His mother added, “I am really proud that he is taking advantage of every opportunity.”
The Mary Manley Inspirational Scholarship Award of $1,000.00 went to Ke’Ana Coverson of Benicia High School.
Coverson’s grandfather fought in Vietnam. Her essay expressed her feelings; “I feel proud to raise my hand and say, ‘My papa is a Vietnam veteran.’ I acknowledge and thank my papa for serving our country. It feels good to watch so many people thank him. This teaches me to speak up and respect others.”
Judy Lynn Manley, VVGSQ’s Webmaster since 2005, says she came in as a volunteer after her daughter, Mary, submitted an essay that was so moving to the VVGSQ members they named an inspirational scholarship in her honor.
Lt. K. Evans has been the veterans’ group chief sponsor for two years. He said, “Their cause is good. They work out their problems and support the youths.”
As usual, this 25th annual VVGSQ scholarship awards is financed through profits from their prison food sales.
The following donated money to this cause, for the second time: Marcy Orosco, The Salvation Army, $1,000; Marilyn Murphy, theEpiscopal Diocese, $1,000
—Juan Haines contributed to this story.
