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Scholarships for Monterey Bay Area High School Graduates

Scholarships for Monterey Bay Area High School Graduates

Education

Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula Braxton Stuntz Memorial Scholarship
2021 Recipient Laura Vetter 


 

Community Hospital of Monterey Braxton Stuntz Memorial Award

Braxton enjoyed helping his classmates learn, write study guides, and even offer his photography skills to a project. He loved helping the younger Boy Scouts with their merit badge work.  

The Braxton Stuntz Foundation is honored that CHOMP, the local hospital, created a special award for a deserving students of faculty. 

CHOMP Braxton Stuntz Memorial Award 2024 Recipient: Elaina 

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From a young age, I immersed myself in the world of volunteering; at the age of 13, I started volunteering at a horseback riding program tailored for children with disabilities at Hidden Hills Ranch in Prunedale, CA. Fueled by my dual passions for horses and helping others, this opportunity resonated profoundly with me. At Hidden Hills Ranch, I assisted children with autism and various disabilities in grooming, bathing, and feeding horses. As my volunteer journey evolved over two years, I transitioned into a more hands-on role, teaching basic horse techniques and guiding kids and their equine companions. 

My experience at Hidden Hills Ranch brought immense joy and allowed me to contribute to my community and instill a love for horses in others. At 17, my volunteering trajectory took me to the Monterey Christian Academy, where I discovered my passion for teaching and providing a tailored education. Assigned to work with a child with Muscular dystrophy, I seamlessly integrated the child into the classroom environment. Amidst supporting teachers in their classes, I dedicated time to assisting the child in writing letters and numbers, considering the challenges posed by child's condition. I strived to create engaging and enjoyable activities to divert child's attention from the difficulties he faced. As someone who was made fun of for having a similar condition, I understand how harmful it is to a child's mental health, which is why volunteering with children with disabilities has become a lifelong passion rooted in empathy and shared experiences.

Now, at 17 and enrolled at Monterey Peninsula College, I am pursuing associate degrees in Business Management and Psychology. Looking ahead, I plan to embark on a new volunteering journey in Germany this summer, teaching English to children with disabilities at a local school. Following this enriching experience abroad, I aim to transfer to a four-year university, with Cornell and Baruch College topping my list. As I envision myself thriving in a bustling city, I am determined to continue my commitment to volunteering and fostering positive environments for children with disabilities. My journey is a testament to the transformative power of empathy and shared understanding. I am eager to contribute to the vibrant communities awaiting me at the next stage of my educational and volunteer endeavors.

CHOMP Braxton Stuntz Memorial Award 2021 Recipient: Laura Vetter

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Hello! My name is Laura Vetter. I have recently graduated from Notre Dame High School and will be attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall. While in high school, I was a member of the varsity swim team and captain of the varsity water polo team at Notre Dame. I was a co-editor of the school yearbook and a member of the Ambassador Team. I swam for The Dolphins Aquatic Club and have been a Girl Scout for the past 11 years. Through Girl Scouts, I was able to volunteer with two different summer camps teaching girls outdoor and leadership skills. I also volunteered with the Kiwanis of Monterey at the TaylorMade Golf Tournament and with the Big Sur International Marathon by handing out ice to runners and preparing the finisher medallions. Thank you so much to the Braxton Stuntz Foundation! I am honored to be the recipient of Braxton Stuntz Memorial Scholarship.

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