Newsletter 12.31.24 | A banner year
Dear HJLScholarship friends and donors ~
It has been a banner year and we are very grateful for all our new donors and those who have continued to support the scholarship since its inception in October of 2021. We’ve raised more than $150,000 to date and awarded $11,250 in scholarships to 10 John W. North High graduates.
Thanks to your generous donations, we can now provide at least one $6,000 scholarship every year for a deserving student.
The goal of the Dr. Horace Jackson Legacy Scholarship is to make the next step easier for our recipients as they continue their educational journeys. In the last three years, we have done just that, offering awards from $500 to $6,000 over two years. At least six of the 10 are still in school, at Riverside City College and Cal State Fullerton.
Thank you to all our supporters who have helped
to make these scholarships possible!
Fernando Cruz, Class of ‘22, one of our first recipients, is now in his third year at California State University Fullerton.
Fernando told us: “I am doing well! I recently changed my major to civil engineering due to the fact I recently found myself liking how the buildings are built and the process of getting built, I finished my GE and now I am focused on all my major classes!”
Fernando worked hard during the summer, so he could focus on his schoolwork during the academic year. We are awarding Fernando another scholarship to help him continue his studies.
Alyssa Martinez, Class of ‘23, has excelled in her course work, diligently focusing on her original goal: becoming a pediatric nurse.
Alyssa will be applying for the very competitive and acclaimed RCC Nursing program next year.
"Every semester I’ve been taking pre-reqs like anatomy and physiology and then electives like politics, theater and psychology this semester. (I'm getting) A's in my classes and have a 4.0 GPA right now. I've got one more science class and will then apply for a Math/Science Associate's Degree."
Ashley Ruiz, Class of ‘24, said her first semester has gone well, despite the challenging transition from high school to RCC.
“I’m doing really well and I’m keeping up. Some bumps here and there. We’re coming (close) to finals. I’m just hoping to do well in those as well.”
Krystal Huerta, Class of ’24 is also on the nursing path.
“I feel really good about this first semester. It was a new learning experience and environment compared to North. My classes and teachers are very good. Everything has gone by very fast but also slow. But overall I like RCC and the new connections with people!”
Kevin Cuaron, Class of ’24, first place winner, shared that he remains motivated, doing well in his undergrad classes as he continues to explore potential majors.
The majority of our donors are from North. Close to 100 alumni from the Class of ‘74 gathered in October to celebrate their 50th reunion, including HJLS founding members, Molly Williamson and Michele Himmelberg. Becky Porter, Class of ’76 and Rich Davis, Class of ’73 were kind enough to provide a tour of the campus and to update us on the wonderful renovations taking place after much campaigning including many alumni. In fact, it was a bit surreal to stand in the arcade, where we walked across the stage to receive our diplomas from Dr. Jackson in 1974.
Members of the Class of '74 outside the student store on the North Campus.
At the reunion dinner, direct donations raised more than $5,000, an amount matched by Class of ’72 alum, Jennifer Takatori Lim. Thank you Jennifer! Coupled with the 50/50 raffle, over $12,000 was raised – pushing us past our second goal of $135,000 which now endows the fund for one $6,000 scholarship every year. THANK YOU to all who participated!
Cathy Jackson with with 2023 recipients Alyssa Martinez, Oscar Alvarez, Isaic Lujan
As the year comes to a close, we want to express our gratitude for three donors who have been instrumental in building our fund.
Cathy Jackson, Dr. Jackson's widow, donates $1000 every month.
"Because of his past, Horace knew how important it was for at least one person to care. One person could make a difference in an individual’s life. I hope what we give will make a difference in a student’s life and the direction they decide to go."
Jennifer Takatori Lim, Class of ’72, continues to make periodic large donations, frequently offering match challenges.
"A few years ago, I set up a charitable trust in memory of Dr. Jackson. I see no better way to honor his legacy than by contributing to the Horace Jackson Scholarship Fund to inspire future generations."
Jennifer and Oscar Edwards at the 2023 Awards Ceremony.
Chuck Ball, class of ’75, makes an auto donation every month – in a very creative way: $33 – a tribute to his jersey number when he played football for North.
"When I first thought about giving to the fund what struck me was what I gained from Mr. Jackson and North. I benefit from that incredible life experience daily. Pitching in on a monthly basis is a great way to spread your donation out giving broad support to the fund."
THANK YOU to these three and many others who have contributed to help us in our mission. Please consider making a recurring donation.
As we grow, we continue to learn. We are now looking for others to help – especially alumni who live in Riverside. Please contact one of us if you are interested.
With your generous support, we remain committed to identifying North High graduates who recognize the power of education and who have demonstrated an interest in leadership and inclusivity. Our dream is that these students, and their generation, will pursue the ideals embodied by Dr. Horace Jackson. One of his greatest visions was for students from every background to come together and get along. That remains a fitting goal today.
Once again, thank you sincerely for your support!
Can you make a year-end donation to HJLS to help launch the dreams of another young North High graduate? Your tax-deductible gift is an investment in the well-being of our younger Husky brothers and sisters and also the communities they will build in the future. No amount is too small!