We are now accepting applications for the 2009 Gary Duenas Memorial Scholarship. Scroll down this page for more information and the online application. Application deadline is Friday, March 13, 2009.
Thank you and good luck.
Gary Duenas Memorial Scholarship Committee.
Who was Mr. Dueñas?
Mr. D (as he was affectionately known by his students) was a kind, caring, committed Grade Level Counselor at Diamond Bar High School for the Class of 1985 and the Class of 1989.
Mr. D reached out with a kind of concern that made each student feel valued. He encouraged each person to look within and find his/her own strengths, and then to work within those strengths to pursue his/her goals with everything. Mr. D saw potential in everyone. He never gave up on any student who was really trying hard to succeed.
Here’s What Some of Mr. Dueñas’ Students Have Said About Him:
“I was not the typical visitor to Mr. D’s office. I was a good student academically. But, I lacked self-confidence, and had a terrible self-image…Mr. D recommended that I take a career assessment test and then patiently went over the results with me…Had it not been for Mr. D’s encouragement, inspiration and faith in me, who knows where I would have ended up…Mr. D believed in me when no one else did.” ~Student, Class of ‘85
“Mr. Duenas made a huge impact on me. I have always wanted to be a police officer. Mr. D and I had talked about it in his office on several occasions. I told him that I didn’t know if I had what it took to be a police officer. Mr. D encouraged me to follow my dream and do whatever it took to make the dream a reality. He also told me that whatever job I took later on, just make sure that I was happy doing what I was doing and be the best at it……….. I am happy to say that I have been a police officer for 17 years, I love what I am doing, and I may not be the best cop, but I always give 110%” ~Student, Class of ‘85
“Mr. Duenas was a clear, honest, loving voice during high school. I remember many afternoons in his office, talking over whatever “major problem” I thought I was dealing with. He always treated us with respect and love, and although I am sure it was hard, he took our issues seriously. After school, my parents were moving out of state. I was trying to decide if I was going to apply to Cal Poly. I was not sure if I could make it in college, feeling alone and scared. Mr. D took so much time with me. He made me realize how important this was to my future. I can hear him saying “it will change your life, doll”. Because of him, I went to college and had an amazing career. I met my husband through my job. I now have two children and another on the way. My eight year old has never questioned if he will go to college. He has heard me tell him how it changed my life.” ~Student, Class of “85
2009 Gary Dueñas Memorial Scholarship
2009 is the fourth year that the DBHS Class of 85 has awarded the Gary Duenas Memorial Scholarship.
The first Gary Duenas Memorial Scholarship was awarded in 2006 toJoe Falcon. Subsequent scholarship recipients are 2007: Megan Wong, and 2008: Micheal Dee.
Scholarship Amount:
The Gary Duenas Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to one DBHS senior in the amount of $1,000.
Eligibility:
Diamond Bar High School Seniors who will attend any college, (junior college, Cal State or UC), trade or vocational school.
Application Procedure:
To apply for the Gary Duenas Memorial Scholarship Please:
Email your completed application by March 13, 2009 to mrdscholarship@yahoo.com
A completed application should include:
Required Information.
A one page essay, answering one of the two questions.
A letter of reference from a non family member who knows you well. GLC, Employer, Teacher etc.
All applications must be emailed to the committee at: mrdscholarship@yahoo.com by March 13, 2009.
2009 Gary Dueñas Memorial Scholarship Applcation
Required Information:
Name
Address
City, State and Zip Code.
Phone Number or Cell Number
Email Address
Name of Your GLC
To which trade schools, junior colleges, or universities have you applied?
Which subject are you looking forward to learning about the most?
How do you spend your time after school and on weekends? (i.e.: work, sports, family commitments, community service; other extracurricular activities)
What school activities are you involved in?
What are your hobbies?
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Essay question: Please answer ONE of the following questions.
1) How has someone inspired you to be a better person?
2) What was the biggest challenge you overcame during your four years in High School?
Character Reference:
Please have a teacher, employer or mentor write a one-page letter describing you. As an example, your helpfulness towards others, positive attitude, work ethic and/or any other qualities that would make you a good candidate for this scholarship.
Please email your application, essays and reference letters to mrdscholarship@yahoo.com.
