The Santa Ynez Valley Foundation has awarded $85,000 in college scholarships to 50 local students, marking its largest annual investment to date in the future of local youth.

Graduating high school senior scholarship recipients for 2025 proudly display their awards. (Courtesy photo)
A record $85,000 in college scholarships was presented to high school seniors by the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation. (Courtesy photo)

The 2025 awards include scholarships for 30 graduating high school seniors, 27 from Santa Ynez Valley Union High School and three from Dunn School, recognized for academic achievement, personal growth, involvements, and big dreams.

The foundation also renewed scholarships for 20 college sophomores, continuing support that began when they were high school seniors.

“A scholarship is more than financial aid, it’s a vote of confidence,” said Esther Jacobsen Bates, executive director of the SYV Foundation. “It tells a student their hard work, dreams, and potential are worth the investment.”

“At the scholarship award night, I was overwhelmed by a strong sense of community here in the valley,” one student said.

“Thank you for your belief in my potential and for helping me achieve my goals,” said another scholarship recipient.

This year’s graduating high school senior scholarship recipients are:

Jesse Arango, Jadon Bailey, Samantha Barboza, Eric Brians, Jazmin Briceno, Addison Bunke, Nataly Davalos, Jackson Elliott, Saira Fernandez, Aaron Figueroa, Adrian Garcia, Addison Godfrey, Sadie Godfrey, Adin Kokorowski, Kea Gonzalez-Lishman, Griffin Markee, Mykah Hardy Moniot, Kaitlyn Hicks, Ryder McClurg, Presley Miller, Malia Ortiz, Natalie O’Shaughnessy, Yasmin Ozkan, Tanner Rhodes, Meara Samaan, and Sofia Goretti Tinajero Suarez.

Kimberly Medina and Chloe Ann Perez received the Walter L. Hanson Scholarship. Named in honor of Walt Hanson, editor and publisher of the local newspaper from 1929 to 1945, the scholarship recognizes students dedicated to careers rooted in service to others.

The David & Jan Crosby Scholarship, which celebrates creativity and artistic expression, was awarded to Naomi Ferguson and Alison Willis. The two were chosen for embodying those values through their passion and commitment to the arts.

The scholarships are made possible through the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation’s roots in the Santa Ynez Valley and the generosity of local donors.

The foundation has awarded more than $7 million to local nonprofits and more than $1 million in scholarships, supporting nearly 400 students in pursuing their college dreams.

To learn more about the foundation’s scholarship program and community initiatives, visit www.syValleyFoundation.org.