14 graduating seniors from Modesto get $1000 scholarships
The Modesto City Schools Board of Education recently recognized 14 graduating seniors who received the annual Modesto Teachers Association’s 15 scholarship awards of $1,000.
Kathy Presley, first vice president of the Modesto Teachers Association, presented the scholars to the board and acknowledged the growing number of students applying for scholarships within the district.
“It’s our absolute honor to share this scholarship report with you, especially to those scholars who have chosen to pursue a career in education,” she said. “Two years ago, Jen McGrath stood before you and delivered a heartbreaking truth that not one single high school student had applied for a scholarship to become an educator. Not one. Tonight, that has changed, and that change matters.”
The 15 awards fell within three scholarships: the Cecil Kerman Memorial Scholarship, the John Walther Memorial Scholarship and the Frank Vandervort Memorial Scholarship. Quinn Cannizzaro from Downey High was the only student to earn two scholarships.
The Kermin Scholarship
The scholarship is in honor of Cecil Kerman, who was a longtime social science teacher at Loma Junior High and a leader in both the California Teachers Association and the National Education Association.
It is awarded to the dependents of Modesto Teachers Association members and California Teachers Association members who demonstrate excellence throughout their high school careers.
This year’s winners are Quinn Cannizzaro from Downey High School, Zane Gerbo from Davis High School, Dallas Guzman from Downey High School, Karis Heintz from Enoch High School, Brent Krueger from Modesto High School, and Nolan Moffett from Gregori High School.
Heintz has been heavily involved in Enochs High’s community. She is the Associate Student Body Entourage Director at Enochs and a professional dancer outside of school. She said she feels the award validated her accomplishments as a student.
“I applied for the scholarship because both my parents are teachers and it seemed like a great opportunity. It meant a lot to me because I’m sure a lot of other students applied, and being chosen made me feel really good and accomplished,” she said.
Heintz will attend Boise State University in the fall to study kinesiology.
The Walther Scholarship
The John Walther Memorial Scholarship honors former Downey High teacher and MTA president John Walther and aims to encourage young people to follow in his footsteps to pursue careers in education.
Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and the desire to enter the teaching profession. The 2026 recipients are Rhealynn Parra and Mariela Pulido from Beyer High School, Healani Canales from Downey High School, Jack Hayes from Downey High School, Kiana Chavez from Enochs High School, Melaina Farrens from Gregori High School, and Kasey Bunning from Johansen High School.
As a longtime Girl Scout and a part of the leadership team at Gregori High School, Melaina Farrens said she is drawn to education because of the lack of diversity she’s seen during her education.
“I’ve only had one Asian teacher, and I want to inspire students and show them they can achieve anything. As a Girl Scout for 11 years, I’ve hosted annual literacy nights to teach parents the importance of reading with their children,” she said. Farrens will attend California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo in the fall, majoring in liberal studies.
The Vandervort Scholarship
The final scholarship recognized at the board meeting was the Vandervort Scholarship. It honors the former 15-year executive director of the MTA, Frank Vandervort. He previously served eight years as MTA president.
“Frank is remembered for his comprehensive knowledge of the contract, his tenacious representation of members, and his ability to secure grievance settlements,” Presley said.
The scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who demonstrate strong academics, are involved in school activities and whose parents have been active in MTA.
This year’s recipients are Quinn Cannizzaro from Downey High School and Irelynn King from Gregori High School.
During the meeting, Presley said the MTA wishes all of the students who received a scholarship great success as they enter college and pursue their chosen directions.
