Don Diego’s June 27th Gala at the Fair is a Sparkling Celebration
Yesterday, today, and tomorrow intertwined in sparkling harmony at the June 27, 2025 Don Diego Scholarship Foundation Gala at the San Diego County Fair. The lively evening attracted scores of guests, including San Diego society, and was capped by VIP seating at the Jon Pardi concert.
The Gala was a celebration of this year’s 25 stellar recipients sharing $93,500 in college scholarships as well as a look back at past accomplishments and a preview of future efforts as Don Diego energetically moves forward to mark its 40th anniversary of transforming today’s scholars into tomorrow’s leaders in 2026.
Heralded by Board Chair/emcee Kirby Morrison as “the cream of the crop – perhaps our best group of recipients ever,” Don Diego’s 25 in ’25 hail from all corners of San Diego County. Exhibiting an eclectic array of academic excellence, robust pursuit of agricultural and STEM innovations, and idealistic ambitions, they are headed to prestigious universities, including CalTech, Cornell, MIT, Northwestern, and Cal Poly.
Among the articulate Scholars thanking donors, first individually and later on stage, was effervescent Mariah Morris, who echoed her fellow students’ sentiments as she told the crowd, “On behalf of all of us, we thank Don Diego donors for your support!”
Left to right: Mariah Morris, Connor Nelson, Maddie Davis, Sage Bowles, Jamie Newton, Michael Sanchez, Kelsey Weller, Logan Brown, Anairis Canseco, Rhys Morey, Alice Powell, Teo Konyn, Madyson Hayes, Tate Criqui, Charlina Schmidt, Aubree Hoyt, Elona Gevarges, Kiara Konyn. Not pictured: Kate Xu, Gabby Anderson, Anton Hester, Clayton Critz, Kaitlyn Law, Emerson Rockwell, Weston Merriman
In a special tribute to founding Don Diego Board member Joe Harper, Morrison called Joe “my colleague, and friend – the most dedicated, passionate, generous Board member I have had the privilege of working with.” With characteristic modesty, Harper said his service “has been a labor of love.” In Harper’s honor, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club donated a $5,000 scholarship and an auction item as legendary as he is: four VIP tickets to opening day at the races.
Executive Director Ashley Colburn McCaughan summed up the event’s significance, saying, “Seeing the excitement in our recipients and their families and the joy in our Board members, donors, and Gala guests, makes the event memorable. We thank everyone who had a part in this sparkling event and who continue to make an impact through their donations to our Foundation.”
Photos from the 2025 Dinner & Concert Gala!
See Photos
You’re invited to an unforgettable evening at the Don Diego Scholarship Foundation Gala, where we will honor our incredible 2025 scholars and celebrate the lasting impact of DMTC CEO and DDSF Board Member, Joe Harper.
Board of Directors
Kirby Morrison, Chairman
Glenn Drown, Vice Chairman
Jim Edwards, Treasurer
Chana Mannen, Secretary
Lisa Barkett
Alyson Connelly
Sandra DiCicco
Jim Dredge
Susan Farrior
Joe Harper
John Hoeflich
George Karetas
Kirby Morrison
D Prestininzi
Frederick Schenk
Alysha Stehly
Chairs Emeritus
Paul Ecke III
Roxana Foxx
Jon Liss
Stephen Shewmaker
Executive Director
Ashley Colburn McCaughan
Gala News
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