In an effort to further its mission to provide educational opportunities to the youth of our community, the West Covina Rose Float Foundation, announced today, the winners of their 2010 Scholarship Program.  This marks the fifth year that the Foundation has awarded scholarships to youths in our community.

To be eligible the student must currently be a full-time high school senior, volunteered for an organization serving West Covina, and completed an application with an essay describing why their community service work is important to them and the community they serve.

The West Covina Rose Float Foundation is awarding three scholarships, one in the amount of $1,000 and two in the amount of $750.  The winners are as follows:

First Place ($1,000 Scholarship)

• • Miss Breanna Lujan of West Covina. Breanna just graduated from West Covina High School where she has excelled academically and graduated in the Top 5 of her class.  She has volunteered hundreds of hours with numerous organizations, including: The Aquarium of the Pacific, Colonial Manor Convalescent Hospital, East Valley Community Health Center, Inland Valley Humane Society, and the West Covina Youth Council.  Breanna is planning on attending Yale University in the fall.

Second Place ($750 Scholarship)

• • Miss Anna Dimitruk of Covina. Anna just graduated from Bishop Amat High School where she graduated with over a 4.0 G.P.A.  She has volunteered hundreds of hours with the Assistance League of the Covina Valley, where she serves as President of the Assisteens Auxiliary, and as a Student Ambassador at Bishop Amat High School.    Anna is planning on attending U.C. Berkeley in the fall.

• • Miss Julie Kim of Rowland Heights. Julie just graduated from South Hills High School where she graduated with a 3.9 G.P.A.  She has volunteered over a hundred hours at numerous organizations, including: Queen of the Valley Hospital, Citrus Valley Hospice, Covina Public Library, and Serenity Infant Care Homes.  Julie is planning on attending U.C.L.A. in the fall.

The West Covina Rose Float Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and is fully responsible for the management and fundraising activities of their annual entry into the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade^®.  In the twelve years of participating in the Rose Parade, the West Covina Rose Float Foundation has earned six trophies, including the Isabella Coleman, Past President, and Mayor’s Trophies.

We are interested in hearing what you have to say!

Our Foundation is excited and proud of our Rose Float theme this year as we honor the brave men who served our country as part of the Tuskegee Airmen.  This year’s float theme is a tribute to the dedication, honor and hard work of all those who contributed to this historic achievement. As our float is being built, we would love to hear from you!  Please send us your comments, thoughts, and even your stories about the Tuskegee Airmen you know.

Design Near Complete!!

Our Foundation met recently with our designer, Raul Rodriquez, and some Tuskegee Airmen to discuss our design which we hope to unveil by early July 2009.  Come back and visit us often as we keep you posted.

After numerous weeks of planning and consideration of alternative funding sources, we have made the decision go forward with our 12^th consecutive float entry in the Tournament of Roses parade!!  With the parade theme titled “2010 – A Cut Above the Rest”, we have decided to pay tribute and to honor the Tuskegee Airmen.  These brave World War II men endured significant challenges during a time when their accomplishments were not recognized.  Our Foundation is in the process of designing this year’s float to celebrate those achievements. As always, thank you for your support and we will keep you posted as events progress.