Scholarships
2021 Scholarship Recipients
Alena Aviles
Alena Aviles, Class of 2021, pursued her interest in artistic expression at OCC’s Studio Art program with the plan to transfer to CSU Fullerton to study Illustration. The first in her family to go to college, she had a rigorous class schedule and shone as part of the Stage and Marching bands, as well as the Choir ensemble. She built upon her own love of music by volunteering with the NMUSD summer music program for children and volunteered with her grandparents to provide food to families experiencing homelessness.
Shaylee Cienfuegos
Shaylee Cienfuegos, Class of 2021, stood out at NHHS for her academic achievement which earned her a spot in UC Irvine’s Political Science Department with the goal of becoming a lawyer. A dedicated AVID student who set high goals, she was recognized as Student of the Semester and on the Honor roll. She was an important member of the Marching and Symphonic bands, student clubs, and a Translation Ambassador. Always encouraging others, she assisted the NMUSD Summer Music Program to pass on her love of music to elementary students.
Yahir Gonzalez
Yahir Gonzalez, Class of 2021, appreciated his own mentors so much that he decided to become a Clinical Social Worker by beginning his training at OCC. Following in the footsteps of his parents, he began volunteering in 5th grade at the Newport Beach and Costa Mesa Libraries, St. Joachim’s Church, and NHHS events. He enjoyed improving his communication skills by serving as a Translation Ambassador for those in need and will put this knowledge to good use in the future helping others.
Ashley Gonzalez Flores
Ashley Gonzalez Flores, Class of 2021, took her talents to OCC as the first member of her family to have the opportunity to pursue higher education. Inspired by her brother and teachers, she planned to study Criminal Justice in hopes of becoming a Juvenile Probation Officer or Youth Correctional Counselor and help struggling teens find a path to success. An active student at NHHS, she enjoyed participating in the Dance program and with the Link Crew to welcome incoming freshman.
“Receiving the Alumni scholarship helped relieve the financial burden of going to college. More importantly, the scholarship made me feel as if the Newport Harbor community supported me in my next steps of education. It reminded me that the Sailor community will always be there for me. I have learned and grown so much, but the lessons I learned at Newport Harbor have stuck with me throughout this new chapter of my life.”
Kendall Kelly
Kendall Kelly, Class of 2021, took the skills she learned at NHHS to the University of Georgia to fulfill her childhood goal of attending college with a major in Journalism. A stand-out on the Softball and Tennis teams as Captain, she umpired youth Softball and tutored elementary students. She was a member of ASB, the Teen Project, CSF, and the NMUSD Mental Health Task Force. Honored as Student of the Semester, she was a favorite employee at Ruby’s Sandwiches as Assistant Manager.
Miles Marquez
Miles Marquez, Class of 2021, was inspired by his mother, who was a nurse, to choose a career dedicated to the health of others by studying at OCC. His eyes were set on becoming a Public Health Nurse and traveling the world to bring health care to those in need. At NHHS, he challenged himself with IB and AP classes and on the Football and Volleyball teams. He participated in ASB, Link Crew, Mock Trial, Model UN, all while working to support himself. He also gave back to his community by volunteering with the CERT program and the American Red Cross.
Gustavo Navarro
Gustavo Navarro, Class of 2021, succeeded in a rigorous course of AP and IB classes, and took his talents to San Jose State’s excellent Aviation program to become a professional pilot. A member of the Stage and Marching Bands, he volunteered at local food banks, tutored at his junior high school, served as a translator at area schools, and was a regular blood donor. He was a valuable member of the AVID program and managed to succeed through the difficulties of learning in a pandemic.
Nancy Velasco
Nancy Velasco, Class of 2021, moved on to Irvine Valley College with the goal of transferring to UC Irvine to study Public or Global Relations. She delighted her teachers in AVID and other college prep classes with her willingness to engage in productive debate. At NHHS, she enjoyed the Field Hockey Team, Mentor Program, Halo Autism Awareness Club, and volunteering at a soup kitchen. She served as a Leader in Training at the Nature Center, and on top of this rigorous schedule, worked to support her family.