Being raised in a family of 5 with only one working parent, Oscar Aguilar has always wondered what it would be like to have a successful life. His parents couldn’t afford to send his older siblings to college and that was when both of his parents worked and his younger siblings weren’t born yet. “Now that all five of us are here and my father faces the possibility of getting laid off, I see less of a chance of going to college.” That was before the Simon Family Foundation stepped in, however, awarding him a scholarship and providing him with genuine hope. When Oscar’s older brother joined the Marines, Oscar felt abandoned and lost interest for a time in his schooling and wrestling. “I felt like an outcast,” he said, “watching the news daily – hoping my brother hadn’t fallen on enemy soil.” Now that his brother has safely returned, Oscar realizes that the Marines provided his brother with an avenue to pursue his aspirations of going to college. “For this reason I want to be a Simon Scholar,” Oscar said. Interested in engineering and architecture, his Science instructor said that Oscar will succeed in whatever he chooses to do because he is humble, extremely likeable, “and has that one characteristic that people cannot learn – charisma.” His intelligence, a 4.0 GPA, and his inquisitive nature make him the perfect candidate for the Simon Family Foundation scholarship.

Wanting to be the best he can be in sports, school and at home, Edward Chanon says that his motto is that “when life gets most difficult, you just keep on going.” Coming from a family with divorced parents has been challenging for Edward’s family, and it has caused him to realize that “life is hard and unfair.” His younger brother has a prosthetic eye, and Edward feels it is up to him to offer protection. “It motivates me to do even better and to go to levels that I did not know even existed,” he said. Financial difficulties, medical problems, and unemployment for his mother and stepdad have caused Edward to rise to the challenge and excel in whatever he does. “I am going to be a really good student. Not only that, I will be a good son.” Edward’s GPA of 3.4 has him well on his way as a Simon Scholar. His Math teacher said that Edward’s inquisitiveness regarding academics and athletics “is refreshing at a time where many students don’t seem to value or appreciate education. Edward is always asking for more in-depth explanations, attends tutoring at least twice daily, volunteers through school beautification and tutoring, and he always gives 110%.” She said he is a well-rounded student that deserves an opportunity to have the financial means to go on to higher education. Edward wants to pursue a medical career, and, to that end, dedicates the Simon Family Scholarship to his little brother and his mother, who, in spite of all their difficulties, have persevered.

Being a role model, a person who makes history, or does something amazing has always been the dream of Junior Diana Espinoza. It wasn’t a dream that she was always convinced could become a reality, however. When her dad lost his job after 20 years of employment at the same company, the thing she worried most about was her education. “I didn’t know how I was supposed to become successful when there was little pay and with both of my parents out of a job,” she said. The Simon Scholarship has provided her with the means to come closer to fulfilling her dreams and her mother’s wish. Diana is determined not to allow her shyness to get in the way of reaching her goal of a career in science. Volunteering with “Think Together,” an after-school program, Diana believes that helping others has enabled her to become a better person. “In the future, I know I will become someone memorable and make a difference,” she said. “I know I will make my parents proud of what I do.” With a GPA of 3.6, Diana’s Program
Leader at Think Together said she is the best volunteer she has ever had. “She comes to school with a positive attitude,” she said. “She is a mature, responsible and dependable individual….helping to change the lives of students through education.” Her History teacher said that “Diana comes from a family of humble beginnings who are trying to realize the American dream.” Her work ethic, volunteer spirit, and academic excellence make her a truly worthy Simon Scholar.

Politics may be his passion, but Jonathan Espinoza puts his heart and soul into academics and just about everything else that he does. “I was born to a teenage mother who did not have the support of her parents or my father,” Jonathan said. When his parents finally separated, life continued to present many challenges for Jonathan and his mother, as they moved into an attic where the “summers were terrible and extremely hot, and the winters were unbearable.” Although the financial situation hasn’t much improved, Jonathan continues to try to be the best he can be in school, as his 4.8 GPA amply attests. In middle school, he got involved in the student council and developed a love of politics and debating. In 8th grade, he was appointed to serve as Youth Commissioner and now Student Representative for the City of Santa Ana. “My dream is to graduate high school, attend Harvard or Yale and graduate with a degree in political science and Pre-Law,” and continue on to become an attorney, lifelong Public Servant and hopefully President of the United States someday. His Youth Commission Advisor said that Jonathan is already perceived as a leader by his peers. “He is trusted and respected when he is in the classroom, engaged in competition or in the boardroom,” he said. His desire to serve his community and effect change put him on a path for success that the Simon Family Foundation is honored to be a part of.

Victor Garcia’s dream has always been to be the first person in his family to attend a 4-year university. A Junior in high school, he wants to make his parents proud when he gains acceptance at one of the greatest universities in the nation – UC Berkeley. “I think I am on track in accomplishing my goal,” he said, as he maintains a grade point average of 4.8. The only obstacle standing in his way is money. Most of his family lives in Mexico, and his family used to visit every summer, but because of financial difficulties that wasn’t possible for three consecutive years. “Then my family received the worst phone call I had ever heard,” he recalled, when his cousin Mario, his best friend, was killed in a car accident. Because of lack of funds, “we were unable to attend his funeral,” Victor said. He dealt with his grief by immersing himself into his studies at school, joining clubs and sports “to take my mind off things and also to do something positive for my life and future.” Victor is a member of MESA, a math and science-based club, as well as the California Scholarship Federation, where he performs community service. His goal is to become a doctor and help other people. His Baseball Coach said that Victor embodies the morale of the team with his positive attitude and sense of humor. “Making the varsity baseball team as a freshman was very difficult for someone of Victor’s physical stature and age,” he said. “Yet, he overcame these obstacles and has overachieved.” His leadership qualities are already beginning to set him apart, and the Simon Family Foundation scholarship will give him the financial backing he needs to reach his goals.