FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAGUNA BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
CONTACT: ANAKAREN URENO
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT
949-497-7700 EXT. 5232

LAGUNA BEACH HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION
CONTACT: JENNIFER SWEET
PRESIDENT
JSWEET@LBHSSF.ORG  

June 5, 2023

Laguna Beach High School Scholarship Foundation awards more than $438,000 to the class of 2023

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. – The Laguna Beach High School Scholarship Foundation (LBHSSF) held its annual Honors Convocation on Friday evening under the full moon in an outdoor ceremony held at LBHS, where 123 senior students received scholarships totaling $438,525. 

Many of the scholarship donors were in attendance to personally present the awards to the class of 2023, which had 145 scholarships available to them and 286 awards overall, as several scholarships grant multiple recipients. Scholarships are awarded to recognize academic achievements, athletic endeavors, financial need, good citizenship, leadership, personal courage, the arts, music, school spirit, community service and more. Scholarships are available to students attending two- or four-year colleges, universities, and vocational schools.

“The Laguna Beach High School Scholarship Foundation is a remarkable organization that brings our community together to support all students in the class of 2023,” said LBHS Principal Jason Allemann, Ed.D. He continued, “The level of recognition they provide students exceeding $400,000 is an impressive achievement, showcasing how valued and supported our students are in our school community.” 

LBHSSF began awarding scholarships to graduating LBHS seniors in 1947. The program has grown over the past 70-plus years through the combined efforts of its community volunteer Board of Directors, LBHS staff and its generous donors. LBHSSF is a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization that awards scholarships to assist Laguna Beach High School graduates in pursuing educational goals at post-high school academic levels.

"What a fantastic scholarship season! I am so proud of our students for their hard work applying for these scholarships. I'm happy to be able to work with the Laguna Beach High School Scholarship Foundation in facilitating the process," said LBHS Scholarship and Financial Aid Specialist Patricia Tacklind. She continued, "And a huge thank you to all the donors. You make such a difference in the lives of students and families!"

There were four new scholarships this year, including the Principal Duddy Memorial Scholarship, created by the Laguna Beach Unified Leadership Team in honor of former El Morro Elementary Principal Chris Duddy, who served LBUSD for 24 years and died suddenly in May 2022, weeks before his retirement. Two students were awarded the inaugural Principal Chris Duddy Memorial Scholarship.     

"LBHSSF is thankful for all those who have contributed to providing scholarships for LBHS students,” said LBHSSF President Jennifer Sweet. “It demonstrates the support, belief and commitment this community has in the future education of our students," she concluded. 

To learn more about LBHSSF or to become a donor, visit https://lbhssf.org/. Donors can choose to augment an existing award or have LBHSSF determine the best use of their contributions. New scholarships are always welcome. All donations are tax-deductible.

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