Success Stories

graduates with a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Adolescent Development, minoring in Sociology. After being a proud recipient of the Guardian Scholarship, he will receive his undergraduate degree debt-free. Torhon has been employed with Orangewood Children's Foundation for over 2 and 1/2 years and plans to continue his employment as Peer Mentor program Coordinator. In 2006, Mr. Barnes received the prestigious John R. Wooden Spirit of Giving Award recognition for his contribution as an outstanding volunteer. Directly after graduation, Torhon will continue attaining higher education by pursuing his Master's degree in Social Work. We want to congratulate Torhon as the 2008 Dr. Robert Palmer Fellowship recipient. With his personal experience, education, and professional knowledge, Torhon's ultimate goal is to help individuals turn their tragedies into triumphs!

graduates with a dual degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice. Throughout his years as a Guardian Scholar, he has been a member of the student advisory committee as well as this year serving as a student representative to the Guardian Scholars Advisory Board. In 2004 he was a chair member of the California Youth Connection. Victor was an Orangewood Children’s Foundation Peer Mentor and Resource Liaison for two years. In 2006 he worked at the Orange County Children’s Foundation group home as a lead staff. We congratulate Victor as he will be entering the coast guard allowing graduation. We congratulate Victor!

graduates with a dual degree in Child and Adolescent Development and Human Services. Jessica was the recipient of the Outstanding Lower Division CAS student award her freshman year. Jessica was very active on campus including Vice President of the Freshman Programs Student Association, Vice President of the CSUF Student California Teacher's Association, a Peer Mentor for Freshman Programs, and an active volunteer for the Women's Center. She currently is serving as the California Youth Connection President of the OC Chapter. In addition, she is a peer mentor and case manager for the Orangewood Children's Foundation. Ms. Greer is graduating with “Cum Laude” honors. In addition, she completed her coursework in four years which makes her eligible for the Guardian Scholars incentive bonus. Congratulations Jessica!

graduates with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a minor in Art. Lisa is an active and committed member of the Guardian Scholars program. Throughout her years as a Guardian Scholar, she has been a member of the student advisory committee and the social committee. She has solidified her presence in the guardian scholar drop-in center displaying her beautiful artwork. She also served as a digital story student leader in 2006. Lisa completed her coursework in four years which makes her eligible for the Guardian Scholars incentive bonus. We congratulate Lisa!

graduates with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. Some of Michael’s fondest memories as a Guardian Scholar include attending the Big Boy’s Men’s Camp in 2005 sponsored by the Boerner’s. And also presenting at the Newport Beach Yacht Club with the Schubert’s on behalf of the Guardian Scholars Program. Michael’s future goals include obtaining a masters degree in kinesiology. We congratulate Michael!

graduates with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies. In 2007 he participated in the Guardian Scholars Digital Storytelling Project in Berkeley, California. Ahmad has a passion for working with children. With his degree he plans to become an elementary school teacher. In the future he plans to obtain a teaching credential and master’s degree in education. Ahmad is also engaged to be married in 2009. Congratulations Ahmad!

is graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services with an emphasis in mental health. Angel is currently working in her specialized field serving mentally disabled adults. She has a true passion for helping others and plans to obtain a special education teaching credential in the near future. One of Angel’s proudest moments was bringing her grandmother, Nora into the Guardian Scholars office. Congratulating Angel!

is graduating with a B.S. in Human Services. Throughout her college career she has received many academic honors including the Dean’s List, Golden Key International Honor Society, and the Spirit of Volunteerism Award (2007) for being an outstanding volunteer in Orange County. Jayde has completed over 360 hours of internship work, and has been diligently involved with Orangewood Children’s Foundation, an organization whose focus is on the ongoing needs of children in the foster care system, as a peer mentor. Jayde will be furthering her education and obtain an advanced degree in nursing through the Entry Level Masters in Nursing program at California State University Fullerton starting Fall 2008. Congratulations Jayde!

is graduating with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Business Administration. She is quite the entrepreneur as she has already started her own business in Culver City. Currently her business plan is being considered for a $60,000 grant offered by the College of Business and Economics. She has already committed to being a future Guardian Scholar Program donor in the future. Congratulations Natalia!