Two students from Notre Dame High School, Riverside, Alexis “Alex” Alfaro and Kaylee Cervantes, were among 14 outstanding high school seniors from across Riverside County to be awarded the Date Festival Scholarship. Both students were $2,000 scholarship recipients (there is also a category of $1,000 scholarship recipients).
The Date Festival Scholarship is put on by Pickering Events LLC, the operators of the Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival. Winners are determined via a monthlong competition that considers students’ community involvement, academic achievement (with 3.0 GPA minimum), interviews, and a 500-word essay (with the topic of “The Importance of Community”).
“Pickering Events LLC, in collaboration with Butler Amusements and the Bailey-Findley Foundation, are honored to offer these deserving Class of 2023 seniors scholarship funds to be sent in each student’s name to the college or university of their choice,” said Chris Pickering, Founding Partner of Pickering Events. “Our goal with the scholarships is to honor and emphasize exceptional student achievement. Winners also participated in a Presidents’ Day Parade and were given tickets to enjoy the Fair.”
Notre Dame Principal RaeAnna Ashton said that both recipients were “amazing students and blessings to represent Our Lady,” and that the school is proud of them for this recognition. “Kayla Cervantes is a leader in Associated Student Body, Peer Ministry and on her cheer team. Alexis Alfaro also serves as a Peer Minister and balances her time as she takes on many challenging courses,” said Ashton.
Both winning students expressed their gratitude for the education they’ve received at Notre Dame. “My time at Notre Dame has not only formed me into the person I am today, but has shown me that hard work, putting others before yourself and choosing to positively impact my community are fundamental parts of what makes someone truly successful,” said Alfaro, who plans to study medicine and become a pediatrician after graduation. She has currently been accepted into UC Santa Barbara, UC Riverside and the University of San Diego and is now deciding which school to attend.
Added Cervantes, “Notre Dame High School has taught me the importance of faith, scholarship and community. During my four years with my Titan Family, I have been able to experience many wonderful opportunities that have strengthened my virtues as a Catholic, my wisdom as a student and my kindness for each individual I encounter. I feel prepared and ready for college with the knowledge I have gained at Notre Dame, and I am forever grateful,” she said. Cervantes plans to study psychology and has been accepted to several universities in the Southern California areas, although she has not decided which school she will attend yet.