Virtual celebration highlights successful students, generous donors
Outstanding music, inspirational speeches and the presentation of more than 100 scholarships have long been characteristics of the Citrus College Foundation's annual scholarship event. Remote delivery, however, has not!
On Aug. 14, the Foundation remedied that by debuting the 11th annual Citrus College Scholarship Reception and Donor Appreciation Celebration on the college's YouTube channel. More than $115,000 in scholarships were awarded to 150 students during the event, which featured pre-recorded videos that were played live.
"It was truly wonderful that, despite unprecedented challenges, we had much to celebrate," said the college superintendent/president. "While we weren't able to gather in person, we were together in spirit to celebrate the accomplishments of Citrus College's best and brightest, as well as the goodwill of our generous donors."
The celebration opened with a touching performance of the song "Winner" by the Citrus Singers, followed by welcome remarks from emcee John Vaughan, dean of visual and performing arts. Superintendent/President Perri also addressed the viewers, as did Aaron Ralph, the new president of the Foundation's board of directors.
"This is one of my very first official activities, and I think it is a pretty good way to start my term," Mr. Ralph said. "The reason everyone absolutely loves this event is because it is full of celebration and joy for what people have accomplished. It is also full of hope and promise for the many great things that the scholarship recipients will accomplish in the future."
Mr. Ralph thanked the generous donors and dedicated faculty and staff who made this event possible.
Christina M. Garcia, director of the Foundation, also provided remarks. The event concluded with a rousing rendition of "Here Comes the Sun" by the Citrus Singers.
"I am so thankful for memories of the last several years of very special scholarship reception events," Ms. Garcia said in the video. "Whether we were under a big white tent at the west end of campus in the August morning sun or gathered together in the cooler feel of the Ross L. Handy Campus Center, those memories carry us in spirit until we can be together in person."
This article originally appeared in the October 2020 edition of the Citrus View.