DWSOC 2023 Scholarship Winners
The Democratic Women of South Orange County (DWSOC) Scholarship Program represents our goal to promote lasting change in our community by supporting, fostering, and mentoring young Democrats. We believe that by encouraging and recognizing our local young Democrats, we are promoting and protecting Democratic ideals in our country and in the world – now and into the future.
2023 marks the 6th year of our DWSOC Scholarship Program and we remain steadfast in our commitment to graduating seniors at Dana Hills High School, San Clemente High School and San Juan Hills High School. This year we are pleased to award our Scholarships to the following soon-to-be graduates who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, extensive community involvement and the highest concern for Democratic ideals.
Congratulations to the following eight (8) DWSOC Award Winners announced at this week’s High School Senior Awards Nights held on May 17 and May 18, 2023:
2023 marks the 6th year of our DWSOC Scholarship Program and we remain steadfast in our commitment to graduating seniors at Dana Hills High School, San Clemente High School and San Juan Hills High School. This year we are pleased to award our Scholarships to the following soon-to-be graduates who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, extensive community involvement and the highest concern for Democratic ideals.
Congratulations to the following eight (8) DWSOC Award Winners announced at this week’s High School Senior Awards Nights held on May 17 and May 18, 2023:
San Clemente High School
SCHS Senior Awards night with our four winners and Presenter Susan Goggins.
Left to right: Ella Jobst, Riley Nicole Harsey, Presenter Susan Goggins, Kayla McLaughlin, Sofia Sipelis (Triton of the Year)
Left to right: Ella Jobst, Riley Nicole Harsey, Presenter Susan Goggins, Kayla McLaughlin, Sofia Sipelis (Triton of the Year)
San Juan Hills High School
SJHHS Senior Awards night with our two winners and our DWSOC President Linda Verraster and DWSOC Scholarship Co-Chair Trudy Podobas.. Left to right: Linda Verraster, Anna Villar, Kate Friess, Trudy Podobas
Dana Hills High School
DHHS Senior Awards night with our two winners and with CUSD Trustee Amy Hanacek and DWSOC Scholarship Co-Chairs Margie Black and Trudy Podobas.. Left to right: Amy Hanacek, Margie Black, Talia Penzell, Sophie Andersen (Dolphin of the Year), Trudy Podobas
June 5, 2023
General Meeting & Annual Scholarship Presentation
General Meeting & Annual Scholarship Presentation
Awardees From Left to Right, Standing: Sophie Andersen - DHHS
Talia Penzell - DHHS
Sofia Sipelis - SCHS
Kayla McLaughlin - SCHS
Riley Nicole Harsey - SCHS
Kate Friess - SJHHS
Anna Villar - SJHHS
Talia Penzell - DHHS
Sofia Sipelis - SCHS
Kayla McLaughlin - SCHS
Riley Nicole Harsey - SCHS
Kate Friess - SJHHS
Anna Villar - SJHHS
At the June 5, 2023 meeting, the Awardees were presented with their Scholarship Award Checks and Certificates.
“Our Scholarship Award Winners for 2023 once again surpassed our expectations of what we envisioned for this scholarship program. Their leadership in defense of democracy and dedication to volunteer work has already contributed to positive changes in our community” said Linda Verraster, President, DWSOC.
Our 2023 Scholarship Award Winners were among the top students of their graduating class. They are Valedictorians, AP Scholars, Students of Academic Distinction, National Honor Society members, and have earned designations as California Scholarship Federation Gold Seal and Bi-literacy Seal Bearers, as well as candidates for the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Two of our Scholarship recipients were also their schools’ Top Students of the Year:
Sophie Andersen at DHHS is the 2023 Dolphin of the Year
Sofia Sipelis at SCHS is the 2023 Triton of the Year
These 2023 Scholarship Award Winners will be attending some of the top universities throughout the country – Syracuse, Boston University, the California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo, the University of California at Berkeley, Irvine, San Diego and Santa Barbara, and the Georgia Institute of Technology. They have all set the highest of academic and career goals for themselves in Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics/Pre-Med, Marine Science and Environmental Studies, Global Studies, Industrial Psychology, Architectural History, Citizenship & Civic Engagement/Pre-Law, and Biomedical Engineering.
Our 2023 Scholarship Award Winners were among the top students of their graduating class. They are Valedictorians, AP Scholars, Students of Academic Distinction, National Honor Society members, and have earned designations as California Scholarship Federation Gold Seal and Bi-literacy Seal Bearers, as well as candidates for the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Two of our Scholarship recipients were also their schools’ Top Students of the Year:
Sophie Andersen at DHHS is the 2023 Dolphin of the Year
Sofia Sipelis at SCHS is the 2023 Triton of the Year
These 2023 Scholarship Award Winners will be attending some of the top universities throughout the country – Syracuse, Boston University, the California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo, the University of California at Berkeley, Irvine, San Diego and Santa Barbara, and the Georgia Institute of Technology. They have all set the highest of academic and career goals for themselves in Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics/Pre-Med, Marine Science and Environmental Studies, Global Studies, Industrial Psychology, Architectural History, Citizenship & Civic Engagement/Pre-Law, and Biomedical Engineering.
October 9, 2023
General Meeting and Scholarship Presentation
Linda Verraster presented Ella Jobst, SCHS, with her Scholarship Award Certificate.
Pictured: Center: Ella Jobst; Left: Ella's mother Shelly Gustafason; Right: DWSOC President Linda Verraster
Pictured: Center: Ella Jobst; Left: Ella's mother Shelly Gustafason; Right: DWSOC President Linda Verraster
