Scholarship Information

Deadline for 2023-24 LJHS scholarship application is Monday, April 15 at 1pm.

This is a needs-based award that is given out to LJHS graduating seniors only.  Please print and complete the application here: LJHS Scholarship Application

Please make sure to print out your Student Aid Report (from FAFSA or Dream Act) and include it with your application.  Please return the completed application and your Student Aid report to Megan Cox in the Counseling office.

LJHS Scholarship

The La Jolla High School Scholarship Foundation (established in 1974) is to provide financial assistance to LJHS college-bound graduating seniors. Since inception, the Scholarship Foundation has awarded over $900,000, helping more than 950 students attend college. The students need these funds today more than ever, as the cost of attending college has increased dramatically over the past decade.

La Jolla High School serves a diverse student population with many students from low-income families. The Scholarship Foundation works closely with teachers and school counselors to identify high achieving students who qualify for financial assistance. The students complete a financial application, write an essay and are interviewed to establish their educational goals and their commitment to higher education. 

In 2023, the Foundation awarded $46,000 dollars in scholarships to 38 remarkable La Jolla High seniors.  These students have gone on to local community colleges, UC schools, state schools and several private colleges. These scholarships have made an impact, enabling students to pursue their dreams of a higher education irrespective of their financial background. 

Our goal is simple- to award as many scholarships as possible to qualified students with a demonstrated financial need.  Each year we receive more applications for assistance than we can fulfill.  

The Scholarship Foundation is a non-profit organization and contributions are tax-deductible. It is important that you know that any amount will be appreciated and recognized. We are run entirely by volunteers, and 100% of your donation will be used for scholarships.

Laura Oswald Scholarship: Laura Oswald graduated from La Jolla High School in 1981.
At La Jolla High, and throughout her life, Laura was known for her kindness and thoughtfulness. She was always ready to tell a story or listen to one, with a friend, and she was generous with her time and attention.  Like a hummingbird, Laura would zip from friend to friend, sipping the stories from each.  One friend remembers coming to La Jolla High as a transfer student from Bishop's and not knowing anyone - Laura was the first person to start up a conversation with her - and even invited her to an after school club activity that same day.

Laura went on to San Diego State University, and a career in graphic design, but her friends and family were always a top priority and she made sure they knew it.  Her large circle of high school friends call her the "glue" of their group - she was always the person who made plans and got people together back in the day, and that continued into adulthood.  When Laura became seriously ill, her friends banded together to help take care of her and keep her comfortable, and have continued to get together in her honor since her passing in 2014.
These same friends want to honor Laura's spirit with the "Laura Oswald Hummingbird Award" to be presented to a graduating senior at La Jolla High who exemplifies Laura's kind, friendly, thoughtful, and out-going nature. 

Please write a short essay (about 500 words) explaining why you fit the bill and send it to Mrs. Savoia at [email protected]

ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

La Jolla Kiwanis Foundation: Selection criteria are based on GPA, citizenship, and plans for continuing education, community and school involvement. Applicants submit an essay and are interviewed by Foundation members.

Matthew Abrams Memorial Scholarship:  Matthew was an outstanding student athlete who graduated from LJHS in 1999. Matt Abrams MVP Scholarship Award is awarded to the team's Most Valuable Player. Matt passed away in 2018 after battling cancer. The award commemorates Matt's fierce competitive spirit, his love of water polo, and his love of his teammates. A perpetual plaque has been placed on the pool deck to recognize Matt, and all of the athletes who have been honored in his name. A $1,000.00 scholarship goes along with the award each year.

Willie Calabrese Memorial Scholarship: This award is given each year to a senior on the water polo team. The award honors Willie Calabrese, who played water polo at LJHS and graduated in 2009. Willie was killed in a tragic fireworks accident in September of 2012. The award recognizes a student athlete who exemplifies Willie's tremendous work ethic, his team first - team last mentality, and his spirit of living each day to its fullest.

Gene Edwards Memorial: Mr. Edwards was La Jolla’s football coach for thirty years. The stadium bears his name, as he was one of the most highly respected coaches in San Diego County. He combined the teaching of football, and other sports, with the highest respect for teammates and competitors. His high standards and mutual respect are the qualifications of the recipient of this scholarship. A perpetual plaque, with names of recipients, is displayed in the administration building.

Billy Harris Memorial Scholarship: Mr. Harris was the Head Counselor at LJHS for twenty-two years. He was one of the founding members of the Scholarship Foundation in 1974. LJHS was his love and his family. He kindly bestowed the bulk of his estate to the students of LJHS through the Scholarship Foundation.

Las Patronas Scholarship: Sponsored by the LJ-based philanthropic organization, this scholarship is given under the umbrella of the La Jolla High School Scholarship Foundation. Annually, before funding a variety of SD County non-profit organizations, Las Patronas sets aside two awards to be presented specifically to outstanding graduating seniors at LJHS. Funds are raised primarily by the annual presentation of the Jewel Ball. Selection criteria is based on GPA, citizenship, plans for continuing education, and community and school involvement. Applicants submit an essay and are interviewed by Foundation members. Las Patronas is committed to providing financial support to non-profit organizations that provide valuable community services in the areas of health, education, social services and cultural arts in San Diego.

Bud Muilenberg Memorial Scholarship: This award is given in memory of a La Jolla High School English teacher who inspired his students to commit to the highest goals of literacy. He especially respected those students who were willing to see in language the power of self-expression, and the means to civilized discourse. This award acknowledges the student who through hard work and revision becomes articulate and self-confirming. A perpetual plaque, with the names of recipients, is displayed in the administration building.

Art Northrop: A former counselor at La Jolla High School, Mr. Northrop is well known for his diligence in pursuing educational success with all students. His perseverance and persistence have sent many students on to greater walks in life by achieving goals that would never have been met without his support. Mr. Northrop is one of the original creators of the La Jolla High School Scholarship Foundation.

Vic Player Memorial Scholarship: Victor “Vic” Player Social Science teacher at LJHS, 2003 & 2004. Vic was a former football, soccer, and track and field coach at Lincoln High School spanning over 4 decades. He was remembered by former Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Allen for making him the person and athlete he became. Vic was an avid champion of academic success, community service, while excelling on the athletic pitch. He finished his last few years in San Diego Unified School District teaching La Jolla High School and left an indelible mark on both the student body and the social studies department.

Jess Soriano: Auto shop teacher who inspired all of his students to make a difference in their lives through education. Many of the VEEP students relied on him as a mentor.

Patty Villarreal Scholarship: The scholarship was founded by Patty Villarreal and Mailee Ferguson, scholar-athletes and graduates of LJHS. Each year, one or two first generation college bound LJHS sophomores are selected and provided mentoring,leadership training, summer internships, and college guidance. Upon acceptance to a college or university students receive a scholarship for academic dedication, leadership potential, and athletic involvement.


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