2021 CRESTMOOR SCHOLARS
In 2021, the San Bruno Community Foundation recognizes 13 outstanding San Bruno students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the San Bruno community with multi-year college scholarships totaling $195,000.
Thank you to the Joseph W Welch Jr Foundation, the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS® Foundation, and Allan and Mary Lou Johnson for their support of the 2021 program.
ALEJANDRA AGUIRRE
An internship in public service years ago along with caring for her autistic brother planted the seeds for Alejandra Aguirre’s interest in sociology. At Capuchino High School, Alejandra supported the youth in the San Bruno Library’s Homework Center. At Skyline College, she has been a mentor and club officer in TRiO Student Support Services. Her ultimate goal, after transferring this fall to San Jose State University, is to be a pediatric social worker in chronic illness care.
KHAOULA AISSAOUI
Khaoula Aissaoui took full advantage of Skyline College’s support and, in return, has shared her strengths as a student resources leader in ESL classes, a peer mentor to over 30 students, an English tutor in the Learning Center, and a volunteer with the ESL registration process, where she has related her immigrant story to other students. This fall Khaoula’s journey of hard work leads her to Stanford University, where she will major in sociology.
MICHAEL EISERLE
With a passion for performing music for the San Bruno community, Michael Eiserle has been a leader and team member in Capuchino’s High School marching, symphonic, and concert bands all four years, while maintaining strong academics. His inner strength to maneuver life’s challenges has influenced Michael’s goal to pursue the field of psychology and share his empathy. This fall Michael plans to start the journey to achieve this dream at Woodland Community College.
JOCELYNN FRANCO
Jocelynn Franco thrives on supporting her community, including more than 250 hours of participation in Capuchino’s Interact Club and peer tutoring. Jocelynn’s most impactful service has been her leadership of the Homeless Outreach Project to create care packages for a local homeless shelter. With the goal of attending medical school and eventually participating in Doctors Without Borders, Jocelynn will begin her studies in biology at UCLA this fall.
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ALYSSA GACOS
Alyssa Gacos is an engaged member of the Skyline College community, funneling creativity and analytical skills into TRiO’s Student Support Services as marketing officer and social media coordinator. As club president, she boosted student morale and improved workshop participation during the pandemic. When she transfers to San Francisco State University, she will continue on her creative path in business administration with a concentration in marketing.
CARLOS GONZALEZ
Carlos Gonzalez has connected with the San Bruno community as a recreation center swim coach, a food preparer at the Catholic Worker Hospitality House, an Interact Club member at Capuchino High School, and founder of its Skateboarding Club. Carlos will head to University of California, Merced, this fall, with plans to study business.
MIA LEDESMA
Despite the pandemic, Mia Ledesma has continued to positively impact those around her through a variety of activities, including leading a women’s health drive for local shelters and committing six years of active engagement in the Leos Club. Her musical strings skills in the Capuchino Chamber Orchestra have been an extra gift to San Bruno. Mia plans to continue helping others through forensic science-related studies at San Francisco State University.
RANIA MILI
A scholar in Capuchino’s International Baccalaureate Diploma program, Rania Mili has served San Bruno as a Police Explorer since 2017, participating in ride-alongs with police officers and attending community events in uniform. Her volunteer work also includes serving as a Junior Giants assistant coach, helping at Second Harvest food distributions, and contributing her social media skills to local city campaigns. With aspirations of becoming a Supreme Court Justice, Rania will attend Menlo College.
KASSIDY ANNE PATRON
Recipient of the Outstanding Interact Award and club president, Kassidy Patron has demonstrated her commitment to serving both Capuchino and the San Bruno community through a variety of different roles. Kassidy has successfully balanced the challenging International Baccalaureate Diploma program with her involvement at the San Bruno Senior Center, Music in the Park, school rallies, and more. She plans to begin her studies in the life sciences at UCLA this fall.
ISABELLA RAMIREZ
Isabella Ramirez has lit up the Capuchino High School stage and warmed the hearts of community members through her artistic cardmaking skills, ballet performances, dedication to the Leos Club, and service as an Outdoor Education cabin leader. With the concern of family members’ health as inspiration, Isabella took action to make a difference by co-founding the women’s health drive. She will focus her collegiate studies in biochemistry at San Francisco State University.
ESTEFANY VEGA
With a passion for sharing her Latino culture, Estefany Vega has served as co-chair and secretary of Latinos Unidos at Capuchino High School. She co-founded Grupo Folklorico to perform cultural dances at school and community events such as Día de los Niños. Despite the challenges of being the first in her family to attend college, Estefany is dedicated to helping others and plans to pursue a degree in pediatric nursing at California State University, East Bay.
CHRISTOPHER WARDELL
Skyline College has inspired Christopher Wardell to become a lifelong learner. In return, he has empowered fellow Skyline students as a peer mentor, supplemental instruction leader in algebra, teaching assistant for the JumpStart program, and student panelist on discussions about racism. He will transfer this fall to Western Governors University. Chris plans to become a licensed CPA with the goal of helping people from marginalized communities develop greater wealth.
ANTHONY YU
Anthony Yu’s leadership roles at Skyline College as Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society president, co-president for the Kappa Beta Delta International Honor Society, and senator for the student government have taught him valuable skills in supporting others. Working as a student ambassador, he has connected academically and socially with Skyline’s international students. Anthony will pursue business administration at UC Berkeley while continuing to serve his community.