Imagine you are in the 7th Grade. You dream about going to a Catholic high school. Your parents already struggle. You know they will be applying for financial aid through CEF and FACTS, and you know you will be applying for all of the scholarships. Then, at mass one day, a couple of guys walk in representing Serra High School. They say that they are offering a $2000 award toward tuition to the most deserving 7th grade student when that 7th grader graduates next year. You wait patiently, hoping and praying that your name is called...and it happens. Your name is called.
What you just imagined is now a reality. The Honorable Cavalier Award, envisioned by the Principal at Junipero Serra High School, Mr. Jeff Guzman, is awarded to a 7th grade student, selected by each of the partner schools that participate based on a criteria set by Serra High School, who is a great all-around student, participates in extra-curricular activities, and exemplifies the Cavalier Code, possessing great faith, integrity, humility, accountability, scholarship, leadership and performing service as a soldier for Christ. The award is $2000 towards tuition at Serra High School for the 2019-2020 school year when the awarded 7th grade student graduates 8th grade and is accepted and registered as a 9th grade student at Serra High School. The award will be added to any financial aid obtained.
On Friday, June 1, the first recipient of an Honorable Cavalier Award was awarded. At Maria Regina Elementary School in Gardena, a long-time friend of Serra High School, Mr. Guzman and Mr. Benjamin Ramos, the Director of Marketing and Admissions, were on hand to award Anayo Emechete as the Honorable Cavalier for Maria Regina. The entire faculty and student body as well as parents and relatives were on hand as the mass turned into an awards assembly. The throng present at the mass/awards assembly erupted as the name of the Maria Regina Honorable Cavalier's name was announced and as he walked toward the podium. "I have to tell you, it gave me the goosebumps," said Mr. Ramos. We are looking forward to more goosebumps in coming days, as it is anticipated that as many as 10 schools will take part in this new program. Let's have more goosebumps, please!