Daniel Hernandez-Tijero
2013 Ask.com High Hopes Scholar
University of California, Santa Cruz

Daniel has been an active participant in the Y-Scholars and Youth and Government programs through the YMCA. In addition, he has served as Vice President for the Minorities for a Change club, has been active in the Leadership Club at Berkeley High, and has volunteered with the Young Entrepreneurs at Haas program at UC Berkeley.  He hopes to major in economics and business.

“Daniel is a quiet leader that will excel in life due to his drive and dedication to his academic pursuits.” Lucas Abbott, High School Program Director, Center for Young Entrepreneurs at Haas

“Daniel is a proven mentor who is a calming presence to those he guides and supports. He is a passionate student and learner who is open and ready for new opportunities and challenges.” Heather Golden, Academic Counselor

Evan Ho
2013 Maggie Gee High Hopes Scholar
University of California, Berkeley

Evan loves animals and volunteers at the local animal shelter by walking and training the dogs there. He also spends time volunteering at senior centers twice a month through the Tzu Chi organization. Evan is part of the IB Program at Berkeley High.  He hopes to pursue an animal sciences degree with the ultimate goal of becoming a veterinarian.

“His most striking characteristic is his calm presence and his willingness to help others.” Molly Offermann, BHS School Counselor

“I have long been impressed by his passion for learning and desire to improve, strong work ethic and responsibility, and compassionate nature.” Jordana Anderson, English teacher, BIHS

Sienghuy Hort
2013 Pure Dana High Hopes Scholar
San Francisco State University

Sienghuy moved from Cambodia as a middle-schooler and worked hard to learn English and become successful in school. She has been active with the R.I.S.E. program and on the Berkeley High Badminton team where she learned that hard work really pays off. Sienghuy is interested in studying accounting so she can help her parents establish a financially secure business.

“She makes connections between what she reads, her life, and other text and analyzes literature, using evidence to support her positions. Sienghuy’s writing reflects a similarly probing and insightful intellect.” Heidi Ramirez-Weber, EL Lead teacher, BHS

“Considering that classes become more challenging as a student increases grade level, [Sienghuy’s increased GPA] is a very impressive accomplishment. This is a testament to Sienghuy’s work ethic and desire to improve herself academically.” Wardell Mayles, RISE Program Counselor

Jalena Keane-Lee
2013 BCF/BHS Class of 1951 High Hopes Scholar
Wellesley College

Jalena is active with the Destiny Arts Youth Performance Company and is the Vice President of the Berkeley High’s Model United Nations club.  Jalena has traveled around the state as a teen host for the TV show Eco Company and also traveled to Cambodia as part of a State Department-funded youth leadership trip.  She speaks Mandarin and plans to major in Political Science and International Relations.

“Mandarin is a difficult language to master and in all my years of teaching, few students have demonstrated the intellectual capacity, passion and discipline that Jalena has shown over the past four years.” Xin Chen, BHS Mandarin Chinese teacher

“I have never worked with a more politically astute young person. And she understands how to bring her quick mind to the creation of performance art works that speak authentically and intelligently about personal, social and political issues.” Sarah Crowell, Artistic Director, Destiny Arts Center

Meriem Osman
2013 Marion Marshall High Hopes Scholar
Cal State University, Long Beach

Meriem has been active with Berkeley High’s Associated Student Body and with the UC Berkeley Youth Outreach committee. In her junior year, she started the Giving Back Club which is centered on global issues such as the famine in Somalia. Meriem speaks three languages—Tigre, Arabic, and English—and would like to major in political science, international relations and ethnic studies.

“Determined, calm, hardworking.” Angela Price, BHS College Adviser

“Beneath that calm, polite composure is a fierceness; Meriem’s drive to learn and achieve belie her passive appearance. In the 37 years that I have taught English, I easily place Meriem in the top 10% of all students with whom I have worked.” Susan Jones, BHS IB English Instructor

Lychou Phey
2013 Alafi Family High Hopes Scholar
University of California, Riverside

Lychou came to the US from Cambodia in the ninth grade and is part of the student senate at Berkeley High representing English learners. She has been a teacher assistant for middle school students through the YouthWorks program and also participated in the R.I.S.E. afterschool program.  Lychou is the first person in her family to attend high school and college. She hopes to become a teacher.

“She has grown into a confident young woman who can communicate easily in English with anyone and she wasn’t able to do that as a freshman. She is able to express the sophistication of her thinking now when speaking and in writing.” Heidi Ramirez-Weber, EL Lead Teacher, BHS

“Determined, focused, kind, polite, self-reliant.” Angela Price, BHS College Adviser

Jeannel Poyaoan
2013 Companion Group High Hopes Scholar
San Francisco State University

Jeannel participated in the R.I.S.E.  after school, college prep program and the IB program at Berkeley High. She volunteers with Oxfam, an international aid and development program, asking people to sign petitions for policy change that promotes global, environmental and food justice. She hopes to major in sociology so she can work in an organization committed to social justice.  In addition to her High Hopes Scholarship, Jeannel is supported by the Students Rising Above program, which covers the entire Bay Area.

“I have witnessed her tremendous growth and development. This growth is particularly evident in maturity, character, and a deep commitment to give back to her community.” Wardell Myles, BHS RISE Counselor

“She is a leader in and out of the classroom, and I believe it is this personal quality that naturally showed up in her writing and that speaks mostly directly to who she is now and the potential I see in her.”  Susan Jones, BHS IB program teacher

Willie Scott
2013 Meckfessel Tippett High Hopes Scholar
University of California, Los Angeles

Willie started his high school career as the Freshman Class Leadership President. He has also been involved in putting together the Berkeley High Annual Holiday Meal, a huge “potluck” for the homeless. Willie intends to major in dance and attributes his ability to overcome obstacles to his involvement in dance. He hopes to become a professional choreographer or fashion designer.

“Energetic, charismatic and compassionate – these are just a few words that describe Willie Scott, a wonderful and talented young man with great potential…  He has challenged himself both academically and artistically in and outside of school. He has shown discipline and determination and has always worked hard.” Elizabeth Sandberg, BHS Academic Counselor

Van Tran
2013 Gilbert Family High Hopes Scholar
University of California, Davis

Van is a hard working young woman who has managed to maintain a 4.0 grade point average even though English is not her first language. She is involved in the Homeless Support Club, Y-Scholars and Build On where she has helped in soup kitchens and provided gifts for children from impoverished families. She plans on studying Biology and hopes to become a veterinarian.

“Having worked with teens in the past, it is always a great experience to meet a young person who communicates well, shows up on time and follows through with her commitment.” Hillary Lopez, Mentor, Y-Scholars Program

“Based on her overall academic record and her dedication to the efforts of her Homeless Support Club, Van has maintained a balance in her life.” John Villavicencio, Director of Student Activities, BHS

Wavy Gravy © Lisa Law

BERKELEY, CA – August 26, 2013 – The Berkeley Community Fund (BCF) is delighted to announce that Wavy Gravy–activist, visionary, philanthropist and compassionate clown extraordinaire–is the recipient of the 2013 Benjamin Ide Wheeler Award. The medal will be presented to him during the BCF’s annual awards dinner at H’s Lordship’s restaurant, at the Berkeley Marina, on October 10, 2013. [NOTE:  THE DATE HAS BEEN CHANGED FROM EARLIER ANNOUNCEMENTS]

“Wavy Gravy has devoted his life to positive social change,” said BCF President, Jessica Pers, “from the founding of Camp Winnarainbow, a summer camp that has benefitted countless disadvantaged Berkeley and Bay Area youth, to the co-founding the SEVA Foundation, a Berkeley-based non-profit that has funded major healthcare projects in developing countries throughout the past 35 years. He truly reflects the uniqueness of Berkeley and the focus shared by so many of us to find positive and creative ways to help others.”

The Wheeler Medal was established in 1929 by the Service Club of Berkeley and bestowed upon Berkeley’s “most useful citizen.” It was named in honor of the University of California president (1899 to 1919) who was best known for transforming Cal into a world-renowned university.  Since 1994, BCF has had the responsibility for choosing the Wheeler Medal recipient.

The first recipient was William H. Waste, a California Supreme Court Justice who was also co-founder and first president of the Berkeley Public Library and co-founder and president of the Berkeley YMCA. Later recipients include former UC Berkeley Chancellor and Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution Ira Michael Heyman; Neuroscientist and former Director of the Lawrence Hall of Science Marian Cleeves Diamond; environmentalist David Brower; Save the Bay co-founder Sylvia McLaughlin; UC Berkeley professor emeritus of physics and California energy commissioner Arthur H. Rosenfeld, Ph.D.; acoustic pioneers and philanthropists Helen and John Meyer; chef and Edible Schoolyard founder Alice Waters; radio personality and philanthropist Narsai David; and Berkeley Rep managing director and civic activist Susie Medak.

In addition to the Wheeler Medal, the October dinner will also showcase BCF’s High Hopes Scholarship program which provides financial and mentoring  support for Berkeley High School graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds who are attending four year colleges. The festive event brings together a cross section of people from Berkeley and surrounding cities who understand the importance of supporting education.  Proceeds from the dinner support BCF’s ongoing programs, including the High Hopes program.

ABOUT THE BCF

The Berkeley Community Fund is a charitable non-profit organization founded in 1991 by a group whose love for Berkeley and for a community of hope and equity inspired them to set up a fund that would reflect their goals. BCF now provides four-year college scholarships and mentoring support for academically talented and resilient Berkeley High School students. Since 2008, it has awarded more than $1.4 million in scholarships to 92 motivated and promising “High Hopes Scholars” attending public and private universities and colleges across the country. Many are the first in their families to attend college. BCF scholarships bridge the gap between financial support provided by government and educational institutions and the cost of attending four-year colleges.

Tickets may be purchased online at http://bit.ly/2013bcfannualawardsdinner or by contacting BCF at 510-542-2126.

Contact:

Joleen Ruffin, Executive Director

(510) 542-2126/info@berkfund.org

As a mentor to one of the Berkeley Community Fund’s High Hopes Scholars, you play an integral role in the success of your mentee and are an important part of our organization. Join us at our annual awards dinner as we highlight the High Hopes Scholarship program and honor outstanding Berkeley citizen, Wavy Gravy.

Thursday, October 10, 2013
H’s Lordships, Berkeley Marina
5:30 PM Reception and No Host Cocktails
6:30 PM Dinner

To purchase tickets, download the RSVP form and mail it back to us at:

Berkeley Community Fund
2111 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way
Berkeley, CA 94704

OR purchase tickets online through Eventbrite

Wavy Gravy © Lisa Law

Please join the Berkeley Community Fund (BCF) for our 2013 Annual Awards Dinner where we will present the Benjamin Ide Wheeler medal to Hugh Romney, better known worldwide as Wavy Gravy—activist, visionary, philanthropist and compassionate clown extraordinaire.

Thursday, October 10, 2013
Hs Lordships, Berkeley Marina
5:30 PM Reception and No Host Cocktails
6:30 PM Dinner

- PURCHASE TICKETS ON EVENTBRITE
- DOWNLOAD THE RSVP FORM
- SPONSOR THE EVENT, deadline is September 20 to be included in the program

The prestigious award, established in 1929, honors outstanding Berkeley citizens. Wavy Gravy has devoted his life to positive social change, from the founding of Camp Winnarainbow, a summer camp that has benefitted countless disadvantaged California youth, to co-founding the SEVA Foundation, a Berkeley-based non-profit that has funded major healthcare projects in developing countries throughout the past 35 years.

We look forward to a fun-filled evening that honors Wavy Gravy’s humanitarian contributions, highlights our High Hopes Scholars, and celebrates the uniqueness of Berkeley. The dinner will be curated by renowned chef and BCF Chairman Emeritus Narsai David. Proceeds from the dinner support our High Hopes Scholarship Program.

Interested in sponsoring a table, see a list of our sponsorship levels. 

Visit Eventbrite to purchase individual tickets online, or download the RSVP form and return it to the Berkeley Community Fund.

History

Each year several hundred people from our City join together to celebrate the special qualities of Berkeley, and the people who live here. This is an opportunity to recognize individuals who have contributed to our vitality of life and whose service sustain our shared values of creativity, compassion, social justice and interdependence.

At this dinner the Berkeley Community Fund is privileged to award the Benjamin Ide Wheeler Medal.

This event brings together an amazing cross section of Berkeley in an unparalleled dedication to people, organizations and the values we share. The dinner is held in the fall, and the date is announced as soon as it is finalized. All proceeds of the event are used to support the work of the Berkeley Community Fund.

Photos of 2011 Annual Awards Dinner

Photos of 2010 Annual Awards Dinner

Photos of 2009 Annual Awards Dinner

Photos of 2008 Annual Awards Dinner

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At our recent 2013 Annual Awards Dinner, the Berkeley Community Fund (BCF) honored Berkeley activist, philanthropist and clown, Wavy Gravy with the Wheeler Medal, presented to Berkeley’s “Most Useful Citizen.” Susie Medak, 2012 Wheeler Medalist and Executive Director of the Berkeley Repertory Theatre bestowed the medal upon Wavy in front of a sold out crowd at Hs Lordships Restaurant. As attendees donned their red clown noses in Wavy’s honor, Susie said that “Wavy Gravy represents our community’s values as a philanthropist, an artist, and a citizen.”

The crowd also had the opportunity to hear from Joleen Ruffin, BCF’s new Executive Director; Chuck Fanning, Vice President of the BCF Board of Directors; and Berhan Bayeh, a 2009 BCF High Hopes Scholar who recently graduated from UC Riverside with a degree in Physics and Economics. BCF was happy to have present at the dinner, past Wheeler Award recipients including Narsai David, Helen and John Meyer, Davida Coady, Robert Cole, Arthur Rosenfeld, and Mal Warwick.

The evening was officiated by Narsai David. BCF was able to raise a record amount of money to support the fund’s High Hopes Scholarship Program.

To see additional photos from the event, visit our facebook page at www.facebook.com/berkfund.

The evening included a report about the High Hopes Scholarship program, the video featured is available at the following link:

http://youtu.be/fWmKYWzuJB4

2014 High Hopes Scholarship Application Period is Open
Deadline for submission is April 9 at Noon PST

The Berkeley Community Fund (BCF) is now accepting applications for High Hopes Scholarships for the Class of 2014. The scholarships provide $16,000 (payable in installments of $4,000/year over four years) and mentoring support to Berkeley public high school students who will attend 4-year colleges on a full-time basis.

Twenty plus scholarships will be awarded this year. Funds may be used for tuition, books, room and board, or incidental expenses in connection with the recipient’s college education. In addition to the monetary award, recipients are partnered with a mentor for four years.

BCF evaluates applicants based on financial need, the application package, personal statements, recommendations, and a personal interview. We look for: academic achievement reflected in the required GPA in a challenging mix of courses throughout high school; other activities, including in-school positions, particularly those that reflect leadership and initiative; community service activities and/or work experience.

Applicants must have a cumulative GPA  of 2.5 and over in high school and begin attending college full-time in the Fall of 2014. The recipient of the Berkeley High Class of 1951 scholarship must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 in high school.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants must show they:
• Are attending Berkeley High School or B-Tech during the 2013-14 academic year;
• Have a cumulative minimum GPA over 2.5 in high school and are academically prepared to attend college;
• Have been substantively involved with their community, school, or family;
• Have the ability to overcome obstacles to achieve academic and personal goals.
• Will be a full-time student at a 4-year accredited college or university in the U. S. in Fall 2013.

Applicants must also
• Document financial need.
• Be available for a personal interview on Wednesday, May 7, 2014. (Interview location will be at the YMCA Teen Center)
• Plan to attend the High Hopes Scholarship Awards ceremony on Monday, June 9, 2014

All finalists will be contacted and interviewed in person before the final awards are made.

For further information, contact the Berkeley Community Fund at info@berkfund.org.

2014 Scholarship Application

The 2014 High Hopes Scholarship application is now available here. The submittal deadline is Noon (PST), Wednesday, April 9, 2014.

All finalists will be contacted and interviewed before the final awards are made. Interviews will be conducted at the YMCA Teen Center on Wednesday, May 7.

If you have questions or need technical assistance with the application, contact us at info@berkfund.org or call (510) 542-2126.

Good Luck, Class of 2014!

If you would like to receive updates and reminders, sign up for our email list on our facebook page at www.facebook.com/berkfund

Dear XXX,

As you may know, I am applying to the Berkeley Community Fund for the High Hopes Scholarship. If I am awarded this scholarship, I will receive mentoring support plus $16,000 over the next four years.

Part of the application process is to provide two letters of recommendation. This is where I need your help. Would you be willing to submit a letter of recommendation on my behalf? It would mean a lot to me if you would.

The entire application is online, so if you agree to write the recommendation letter you will receive a request by email from admin@communityforce.com. The email subject line will be “Letter of Recommendation Request – High Hopes Scholarship Program, Berkeley Community Fund.” Inside the email will be a link you can click on which will take you directly to the application site where you can complete the recommendation.

The deadline for me to submit my completed application is Wednesday, April 9 at 12:00 Noon Pacific Time, so I’ll need the recommendation filled out before then.

Thank you so much for your consideration, I look forward to hearing back from you so I can proceed with sending you the recommendation request.

Best,

YOUR NAME

Have Questions? Need Help Completing Your Application?

If you answered yes, help is on the way. We have scheduled several convenient “workshop” times when you can drop in and work with someone from the Berkeley Community Fund to complete your application. A complete list of dates, times and locations is provided below. If you have questions, email the Berkeley Community Fund at info@berkfund.org

Thursday, March 20
Monday, March 24
Tuesday, April 8
3:30-5:00 PM
2nd Floor, YMCA PG&E Teen Center
2111 Martin Luther King Jr Way

Tuesday, March 25
Wednesday, March 26
3:30-5:00 PM
Computer Lab, Library
Berkeley High School

If you’re applying for the 2014 High Hopes Scholarship, its important to request recommendations very early in the process. This allows the person writing the recommendation with enough time to write the best recommendation for you. You will need to request recommendations from TWO people

• one who is familiar with your academic achievement, usually a teacher
• one (not a relative) who is familiar with your activities outside the classroom

Here are 6 easy steps you should follow to get your recommendation letters.

Step 1:

Talk to the two people you would like to write the recommendation. Tell them you are applying to the High Hopes Scholarship program and need a letter of recommendation. If they agree to write a recommendation, get their email address and let them know they will receive a request in their email. The email will come from “admin@communityforce.com” with the subject line “Letter of Recommendation Request – High Hopes Scholarship Program, Berkeley Community Fund.”

You can also email the request to them, here is a link to a sample email you can send asking for a recommendation.

Step 2:

Once they have agreed to write the recommendation, go back to the application (here is the link to the application site). In your application dashboard, click on the “REQUEST” button.

Step 3:

Follow the instructions to fill out the name and email address of both recommenders (Teacher and Other).

Step 4:

Follow up with the recommender to make sure they received the recommendation request. If not, ask them to check their spam. If they have any questions, they can email us for further help at info@berkfund.org

Step 5:

Regularly check the status of your recommendation request, click on the REQUEST button at any time to see if your letter of recommendation has been received. Follow up with the recommender if they have not submitted the recommendation letter.

Step 6:

Once your letter of recommendation has been received, take a moment to thank the person who recommended you.

Questions? Send us an email at info@berkfund.org

If you are applying for the 2014 High Hopes Scholarship, you may have experienced trouble with getting the College or University Section to read as 100% completed. See the screenshot below for the section that needs to be filled out in order to complete your application.

2014 Scholar Agreement