Since 1975, the Santa Barbara High School Alumni Association has given out some $1.5 million in scholarships to more than 1,000 graduating Santa Barbara High School seniors. Starting last year the group added scholarships to Dons who are continuing their education as undergraduates or graduate students.

This year’s awards ceremony, held in the Santa Barbara High School theater, recognized 71 scholarship recipients, as well as Distinguished Don John Suzuki, who passed away in May.

Scholarship applications are available each November on the Santa Barbara Alumni Association website sbdonsalumni.com.

The Santa Barbara Alumni Association was created in 1975 as part of the school’s Centennial Celebrations. Its board is made up of volunteer alumni who provide services to better the high school.

In addition to the scholarship program, the asssociation supports high school seniors with caps and gowns and a graduation lunch, provides money for classroom supplies and beautification efforts for the campus, and, with ASB students, coordinates the Wall of Fame.

Funding for the Alumni Association’s scholarships and programs is provided by donations from SBHS alumni, current and retired staff, and friends. Those interested in donating to a scholarship fund or any of the association’s other efforts, can visit sbdonsalumni.com.

— Helen Murdoch for the Santa Barbara High School Alumni Association.