26th Annual Veterans Scholarship Award Banquet
The Vietnam Veterans Group of San Quentin is once again rallying the troops for its 26th annual Veterans Scholarship Awards Banquet.
During the event, which scheduled for June 22, group members inside prison have the opportunity to give back to the community by awarding scholarships to deserving high school students with veterans in the family who are preparing to start college.
“I get a sense of pride in participating, because as a military brat myself who has faced the challenge of putting my own daughter through college, I know that every little bit helps go a long way in helping children achieve their educational goals,” said group member Darryl Farris.
The veterans group works throughout the year to raise funds for the scholarships through food sales to San Quentin inmates, contributions from various Inmate Leisure Time Activity Groups (ILTAG), and donations from outside veterans organizations and supporters.
Last year, the veterans were able to present two scholarship awards totaling $2,500. This year, in addition to the Veterans Scholarship Award and the Mary Manley Inspirational Award, the VVGSQ is proud to present the Marcy Orosco Scholarship Award in honor of her generous support from the Salvation Army.
Applications for the scholarships have already been circulated throughout high schools in the northern California area. The VVGSQ Scholarship committee, led by Sergeant of Arms Garvin ‘JoJo’ Robinson, is eagerly awaiting student submissions.
“I receive the most amazing sense of gratification as I read through the applications, select the candidates, and watch the smiles on their faces when they receive their awards,” Robinson said. “I feel empowered with the responsibility to continue to serve … even while incarcerated.” The applicants will be judged on their cumulative GPA, extra-curricular activities, community service and a short essay on what their veteran family member’s service to the country means to them. If you know an eligible high school senior who would like to apply for one of the VVGSQ scholarship awards please refer to the contact information for our Chief Sponsor below.
This year the VVGSQ is hoping to double the amount given out at the 2012 awards. This is a worthwhile event and we encourage men of the San Quentin population to fill out a Trust Withdrawal designating ‘2013 Scholarship Awards’ with the amount they would like to contribute and give it to a VVGSQ representative within your housing unit. Laudatory donation chronos will be generated for your records.
If any outside veterans organizations or individuals would like to help support our cause, please contact our Chief Sponsor Rudy Luna at San Quentin State Prison, 1 Main Street, San Quentin, CA, 94964-0001 (415)454-1460 ext. 5808.