California Association of Collectors Announces Scholarship Winners

The California Association of Collectors Educational Scholarship Foundation (CACESF) held its inaugural scholarship ceremony on Aug. 10, 2006, at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif.

First place winner Audra Kosh, second place finalist Renee Heyman and third place contestant Miranda Ripoli were selected by a panel of judges out of over 140 applications throughout California. Applicants were asked to write an essay on “The Proper Use of Credit in the 21st Century.”

The finalist read their essays in front of the judges and attendees and then first, second and third place was announced. Each student received a certificate of appreciation and will have their essay published in Collector?s Ink, a monthly journal put out by the California Association of Collectors (CAC). All three finalist walked away as winners; the first place winner received $2,500, the second place winner got $2,000 and third place was awarded $1,500 in scholarships.

The first place finalist Audra Kosh from Ventura High School, plans on attending UC Santa Barbara in the fall of this year with a major in Math and is still considering pursuing a double majoring in dance.

The Oak Park High School graduate, Renee Heyman, second place prize money will go towards her future goals. The Westlake Village resident plans on attending Cornell University in New York this fall with a double major in Government and Economics. After she graduates college she plans on continuing her education in Law School.

The Carondelet High School graduate, Miranda Ripoli, will use her scholarship money attending St. Mary?s College of California this fall. The Pittsburg, Calif. resident is majoring in psychology and plans on continuing her education for a Master?s Degree and then plans on pursuing social justice work.

The Educational Scholarship Foundation was founded in 2005 by CAC. The scholarship was started to help California high school graduates pursue their education at any accredited public or private college, university or trade school. Next year?s essay topic is the “Importance of Establishing and Maintaining Good Credit During Your College Years.” The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2007.