Scholarships
Meet Our 2026 Scholarship Winners!
We are excited to introduce our amazing Scholarship winners from the Class of 2026. They are an inspiring group of students with big plans for their futures that we're honored to help support. Because of your generosity, we were able to give a record-breaking THIRTEEN awards. We also offered a second year of support to our 2025 recipients to help them achieve their career goals.
Thank you to our Named Sponsors and other major Donors who helped make these gifts possible. It’s amazing that every scholarship was sponsored by generous members of our Sailor family. We were especially moved by the outpouring of love in memory of Jeff Bauer Class of 1995 (see the featured article below).
Put your name or group on one of our Scholarships next year so we can continue to expand this program!
Our 2026 winners with Laura DeSoto from the Alumni Association
2026 Named Sponsors:
In Memory of Jeff Bauer
The Class of 1965
Bruce Lymburn & Linda Kelly
Irene Turner
The Elliot Family
Surf Saturday Sponsors
Homecoming Sponsors
Our Anonymous Angel
2026 Other Major Donors:
The Class of 1970
The Cagle Family
Trent Casillas
The Clemence Family
Michaela Del Signore
The Gaddis Family
Ron & Claire Kirchen
The LaGrandeur Family
Frank C. Marshall
Angie and Kelly McCunniff
Ralph Myers
The Smith/Walker Foundation
Renaissance Charitable Foundation
2025 Named Sponsors:
In Memory of Jeff Bauer
The Class of 2004
The Elliott Family
Bruce Lymburn & Linda Kelly
In Honor of Diane Shoffner Toedter
Irene Turner
Homecoming Sponsors
Our Anonymous Angel
2024 Named Sponsors:
The Class of 1967
Bruce Lymburn & Linda Kelly
The Elliot Family
The Seager Family
Irene Turner
The Westling Family
Homecoming Sponsors
Featured Sponsor Story:
Jeff Bauer Class of 1995
We are deeply moved by the family, friends, and classmates of Jeff Bauer, Class of 1995, who came together in an inspiring show of generosity to honor his memory through a Scholarship fund in his name. For both 2025 and 2026, they raised enough for three gifts in his honor. We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation to help the career dreams of amazing NHHS students come true.
Known for his kindness and enthusiasm, Jeff loved his time in Newport-Mesa schools, and went all the way through Mariners, Ensign and Newport Harbor High School. He continued his education at Georgetown, where his adventurous spirit took him to Oxford for a summer program. In 2001, Jeff enrolled in the UCLA Anderson School of Management and again expanded his horizons by studying at the ESADE Business School's MBA program in Barcelona, Spain.
The 2026 Jeff Bauer Scholarship recipients with Laura DeSoto from the Alumni Association.
Jeff spent the next decade thriving while working at UTI Worldwide where he began as a project manager in Madrid in 2003 and by 2013 was Global Vice President. He decided to leave UTI in 2014 to follow his entrepreneurial spirit and co-founded the transformational outsourcing partnership company, Enshored, based in Manila, Philippines. As a managing partner, he helped other businesses get started in a successful, sustainable way. To share his experience with the next generation, Jeff served as an adjunct professor at Georgetown and a mentor at UCLA's Anderson School. He also volunteered his time with Camp Kesem, which provides recreational camps for children whose parents have cancer. He was taken too soon in October 2016 by a sudden illness.
With friends around the world, Jeff Bauer is remembered by his loved ones for his desire to explore, his sincere care for those around him, and his commitment to doing good work. We hope his example will inspire the students who receive the Scholarship in his name to take risks and dedicate themselves to helping others.
Sponsor an NHHS Alumni Scholarship
Help us pay it forward to the next generation of Sailors by sponsoring one of our Scholarships. For a donation of $3,000 (to cover $2,000 the first year, and $1,000 the second year), we will recognize your name on one of our awards. You can give individually, as a family, group, or Class year, or in honor of a classmate or teacher. **
So gather your Classmates, talk to your family members or teammates, and sponsor one of our
Alumni Scholarships to help a student from the Class of 2027.
There are TWO ways to give!
You can contribute directly through our Donate page:
Or you can start your own Campaign to bring together
your classmates, teammates, family and friends:
Click on "I want to fundraise for this" button when you get to the page
Questions? Email us at Info@NewportHarborAlumni.org
** The NHHS Alumni Association will oversee the application and selection process, determine the criteria for awards, and match one winner to each Sponsored Scholarship ($3,000 donation). We’re always looking for volunteers to help with the work of this project, so reach out if you’d like to be involved!
** If you have already given to our Scholarships and want to add to your donation to reach the Sponsorship level, use the Donation form or contact us.
** If you are interested in Sponsoring a Scholarship for more than one year, use the Donation form or contact us.
Our Scholarship program began in 2017 when we awarded two $1000 Scholarships (which prioritize students attending a community college, trade, technical, film, culinary, K-12 teaching, nursing or first responder school). Through the generosity of Newport Harbor High School alumni like you, we have been able to grow the program to offer two years of support and reach more than a dozen students in each class. Overall we have given away almost $240,000 to help the career dreams of these deserving students come true.
Donations of any size are greatly appreciated, so if you have $5, $50, or $500 to contribute to the next generation of Sailors, we’d be very grateful.
One of our 2025 recipients Fatima Ramirez wrote movingly about what this scholarship meant to her: "I am incredibly grateful to have been chosen as one of your scholarship recipients. Your support has helped make my dream of attending a four year university come true. This opportunity will help me focus on my education and future goals. One day I hope to give back and help other students in need. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
We’re proud to be a part of that community supporting her dreams. Your donation will help continue the long Sailor tradition of giving back, so please join us!
*Special thanks to the 2026 Scholarship Selection Committee: Trent Casillas, Laura DeSoto, Sara Robinson, Joyce Shepherd, Maria Seager, and Nora Seager
Our 2026 Recipients
Sponsored in Memory of Jeff Bauer
Andrew Arevalo
Andrew Arevalo, Class of 2026, learned from the example of his father’s small business and was excited to be the first in his family to attend college for Business in Finance at CSU Fullerton. With a life-long passion for soccer, he played at NHHS all four years and was honored as MVP in his Junior year. In addition to helping the Sailors make it to the CIF finals, he coached his younger brother’s team and honed his leadership skills. Known for his dedication to hard work and kindness to others, he was a part of the SOY Youth Council where he engaged in community service projects and encouraged his fellow students to do the same.
Sponsored by Bruce Lymburn and Linda Kelly
"With the scholarship, I'll be able to continue growing at Chico State without worrying about finances, but rather be involved in my studies and continue exploring what I love. Thank YOU for the opportunity to keep representing the school that gave me that passion."
Sayuri Camacho
Sayuri Camacho, Class of 2026, was motivated by her desire to create positive, fair workplaces to go into Construction Management at CSU Chico. Eager to represent women in a male-dominated field, she got hands-on experience in ROP Construction classes where she learned about plumbing flooring, drywall and electrical installation. As a determined AVID student, she rose to the challenge of difficult academic courses while also working as a Language Ambassador and at Target. Appreciated for her positivity and eagerness to learn, she led as Vice-President of Latino Unidos and was a frequently requested speaker on behalf of these programs.
Sponsored by the Class of 1965
Ivania Castaneda
Ivania Castaneda, Class of 2026, continued to Orange Coast College to major in Speech Pathology to help children find their voices. Based on her own experiences learning English as a teenager, her goal was to transfer to a four-year university and eventually get a Master’s degree to best help others with their struggles to speak. A member of the Dance program, Visual Arts, and PALS leadership club, she worked 30+ hours a week to help her family while also succeeding in her coursework. Recognized for her resilience and empathy, she flourished her Senior year as part of the TarTV program both behind and in front of the camera.
Sponsored by the Surf Saturday Film Fest Sponsors
Nicolas Earnhart
Nicolas Earnhart, Class of 2026, drew from his experience with family members navigating medical conditions to study Pred-Med at Oberlin College with the goal of becoming a compassionate, care-focused physician. A member of the Swim team for 4 years and a certified Ocean Lifeguard, he completed the EMT ROP course. He competed on the Pro-Start Team as part of the award-winning Culinary program. Valued for his maturity and adaptability in many situations, he nurtured his artistic side in the Vocal Ensemble and in nine theater productions and held leadership positions to support his peers.
Sponsored by an Anonymous Angel
"I want to express my gratitude for receiving one of the NHHS Alumni scholarships. This really does have huge impact on my future. Thank you for everything!"
Angel Gonzales Reyes
Angel Gonzales Reyes, Class of 2026, studied Business in Finance at CSU Fullerton so that he could help others manage their finances to support their goals and better their family’s lives. His work with Christian Charities delivering food to those in need helped clarify his career path and increased his appreciation for what he has. At NHHS, he contributed to the Water Polo and Swim teams and enjoyed the AVID program all four years. Respected for his selflessness and commitment to personal growth, he challenged himself with college level classes like AP Computer Science and worked part-time to set himself up for the future.
Sponsored by the 2025 Homecoming Sponsors
Lily Harper
Lily Harper, Class of 2026, took what she learned during a friend’s medical emergency and decided to become a nurse practitioner by enrolling as a Nursing student at Vanguard University. To get real world experience, she volunteered at Hoag Hospital and in a neuro-rehab clinic for adults with brain injuries. She gave her time to Project Hope Alliance and Feed the Hungry, and was recognized with a Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Known for her responsibility and initiative, she was a Varsity cheerleader and competed on her college’s STUNT team. She shared her skills and kind nature as a gymnastic coach and as a caretaker in her church’s nursery.
Sponsored by Irene Turner
Nicole Karjala
Nicole Karjala, Class of 2026, combined her love of writing with her desire to help others and majored in Literature at UC San Diego with the goal of teaching high school. Multifaceted, she founded a Creative Writing Club and represented the STEM Field Studies Program at NHHS. She tutored younger students, led a book drive for Girls Inc., and worked for her family non-profit jewelry line to help classmates fundraise to finance their Field Studies trips. Passionate about creativity, she was in the NHHS Dance program and served as a CAPPIES theater critic. An AP Scholar with Distinction and a Student of the Year, she hopes to return to her alma mater as a teacher.
Sponsored in Memory of Jeff Bauer
Shelby Kliewer
Shelby Kliewer, Class of 2026, followed her interest in climate justice to attend Minerva University as a Social Studies major. In addition to advanced classes at NHHS, she took many college courses to get a jump on her future. Committed to sustainability and the environment, she joined Families for the Future, took every opportunity to learn, and then organized educational activities to reach others. She was part of the Prism Club, Green Team, National Honors Society, and California Scholarship Federation. Recognized for her empathy and curiosity, she led the Vocal Ensemble and performed in many stage productions including as Ariel in “The Little Mermaid.”
Sponsored by the Elliott Family
Amelie Limon
Amelie Limon, Class of 2026, started her journey to become the first female in her family to attend college, and eventually go to law school, as a Communications major at Orange Coast College. During her time at NHHS, she was part of the Culinary program for four years and especially enjoyed cooking and serving in the Shipyard Café. An excellent athlete, she stood out on the Water Polo and Swim teams before transitioning to Track and Field after an injury. Respected for her perseverance and initiative, she worked as a Lifeguard and swim instructor for the City of Newport Beach for two years.
Sponsored by Irene Turner
"I am deeply honored and incredibly grateful for your generosity and support. This scholarship not one helps make my education more attainable, but also serves as a reminder that others believe in my dreams and potential. Your kindness and investment in my future mean more than words can express, and I will carry that encouragement with me as I pursue a career in healthcare."
Juliette Moreno
Juliette Moreno, Class of 2026, was inspired by her hard-working parents to go into the medical field beginning with a degree in Biology at UC Riverside. To get started, she took EMT and Medical ROP courses, completed aa Nursing internship, and earned an Imaging Assistant certificate from Orange Coast College. At NHHS, she was leader in the AVID program, on the Soccer and Track and Field teams, the LINK Crew, Bridges, Future Physicians Club, and President of Latinos Unidos. Valued for her integrity and community focus, she served in the Costa Mesa Police Explorers program, as a tutor and a Language Ambassador translator.
Sponsored by an Anonymous Angel
Alexandra Portugal
Alexandra Portugal, Class of 2026, was led by her fascination with how people choose between brands and build successful products to study Business Marketing and Real Easte at CSU Fullerton. To explore this field at NHHS, she challenged herself with the IB Business pathway as well as ROP courses in Business and Supply Chain Management. She volunteered her time tutoring young learners, serving meals to those in need, and helping to welcome new students on the LINK Crew. A diligent and responsible student, she excelled as a leader in the marching band, orchestra, and drumline during her 4 years in high school.
Brady Wood
Brady Wood, Class of 2026, took the skills he honed in the IB Business pathway at NHHS to UC Berkeley to study Economics. To put his lessons into practice, he started his own small business making ballon art at events. A positive and motivated competitive rower at NAC, he won a bronze medal at the US National Championships and was recruited to compete at the Division I level. He balanced a rigorous courseload with the Surf Team and being co-President of the Surfrider club on campus where he helped organize beach clean-ups. Committed to hands-on service, he volunteered tutoring younger students at a local learning center.
Sponsored by an Anonymous Angel
Kristian Smith
Kristian Smith, Class of 2026, pursued his love of animals and began his journey to become a veterinarian by enrolling as a Biology major at Orange Coast College. To get real world experience, he took both the IB Business pathway and a ROP EMT course. Appreciated for his multi-tasking and thoughtfulness, he was a standout in the Culinary program for four years. As a member and then Community Service chairman of the FCCLA club, he served food at Someone Cares Soup Kitchen and for the elderly. While at NHHS, he diversified his interests on the Cross Country and Track teams and enjoyed his experience in TarTV.
Sponsored in Memory of Jeff Bauer