9/27/13
Gordon Yee of Encinitas and Jessica Theisman of Escondido Receive Coveted $2,500 College Scholarships via Tuition Granted/Don Diego Partnership
Del Mar, CA … The Don Diego Scholarship Foundation (Don Diego) is delighted to announce that the North County based-Tuition Granted Foundation (TGF) has provided a $2,500 college scholarship to each of two amazing students: Gordon Yee of Encinitas and Jessica Theisman of Escondido. Both were highly qualified semi-finalists in Don Diego’s 2013 scholarship process.
Tuition Granted Foundation (TGF) President Stephen Dunham states, “This is the first time our Foundation and Don Diego have teamed up to ensure that additional college scholarship awards are provided to outstanding, San Diego County students. The combined philanthropic energy of our two nonprofit foundations will benefit not only these two future leaders, but our entire community.”
Don Diego Chair Paul Ecke III agrees, saying, “Gordon and Jessica are very deserving. Both say the scholarship funds will make a significant difference in enabling them to pursue higher education and achieve their career goals.”
Gordon Yee, who graduated from San Dieguito Academy in June 2013 with a 4.39 GPA, will major in Biology/Pre-Med at the University of California, Irvine. Jessica Theisman is currently undertaking an undergraduate curriculum at Palomar College before matriculating at California State University, Fresno, where she will major in Veterinary Medicine/Animal Sciences. Both have already traveled a long journey to arrive where they are today.
Confiding, “Throughout my life, I have constantly strived to push myself past my limits,” Gordon has confronted an array of serious health issues since he was a young child. He refused to allow his illnesses to be an excuse, instead excelling academically, attaining his Eagle Scout badge, successfully competing in gymnastics, mentoring students, interning at a hospital and performing community service work. As a consequence of his health issues, Gordon plans to become an orthopedic surgeon. He says, “I’m not just working on my dreams but my parents’ and grandparents’ dreams of success for their children and children’s children.”
Jessica, an FFA standout and honor student at Escondido High School, intends to become a large animal/exotics veterinarian. To propel herself forward, she completed a six-year agricultural program during her four years in high school. This dedicated and ambitious young woman who says, “I have always had a passion for animals,” did not let lack of money deter her from higher education. She enrolled in a general education program at the community college level and now, thanks to the scholarship, she says, “I will be able to attain my dream of attending CSU Fresno for its well-known veterinary program.” She promises, “My role in the community and world at large will be providing assistance and comfort to animals and their owners.”
The Tuition Granted Foundation was founded in 2005 by academic professionals and business leaders motivated solely by the prospect of assisting deserving college-bound students with the financial assistance necessary to achieve academic greatness. Tuition Granted is driven entirely by volunteers. As such, 100% of net donations goes to fund scholarships. More information is at www.tuitiongranted.org.
The Don Diego Scholarship Foundation has awarded more than $600,000 in college scholarships and grants for agricultural education since its inception in 1986. Annual scholarships support students who are ambassadors for the county, academically and through their achievements. Funds are raised through an annual gala, the Amigo Club, which offers entrance to year-round Fairgrounds events for just $99, a Legacy Brick program and donations. For more information, please visit dondiegoscholarship.org and follow Don Diego at http://www.facebook.com/Don-Diego-Scholarship-Foundation.
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The Don Diego Scholarship Foundation◦ 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. ◦ Del Mar, CA 92014-2216
858-792-4210 ◦ dondiegoscholarship.org
