Newsletter 12.30.25 | 2025 Accomplishments
As we look forward to marking our 5th year since the inception of the Dr. Horace Jackson Legacy Scholarship, we have much to celebrate and all of you to thank. We would not be here were it not for your support.
Two of our graduates from Riverside City College are moving forward with their academic educations and scholarship winner, Kevin Cuaron (Class of '24) is set to graduate in 2026.
RCC graduate, Alyssa Martinez (JW North Class of ’23) continues to prepare for a nursing career (pictured left). She has applied to the rigorous Certified Nursing Assistant program which will enable her to work with patients and gain crucial experience, considered highly advantageous toward the Registered Nursing program. Alyssa is taking more science classes at RCC to boost her chances of getting into the program.
Our other RCC graduate, Kaci Ginwright (Class of ‘23), continues to creatively sculpt her college career, now enrolled in the Johnston Center at the University of Redlands. The program accepts self-directed students who show strong community involvement. Kaci will design her own course of study, majoring in Creative Editing and Publishing.
We are committed to continued support of our scholarship students after they graduate from community college.
Stefanny Hernandez, our 2025 recipient, had this to say about her first semester at RCC:
“When I was in high school I had straight A's for 4 years so it’s just a me thing to want to carry that energy to college - but it’s been tough. I’m happy and relieved to be done with the semester…(it) has been a roller coaster of emotions." In fact - Stefanny JUST got her grades and her straight 'A' streak continues. Congratulations Stefanny! She will take classes over the winter break, as she moves toward becoming a court translator, working specifically with the deaf population.
This year we also began a partnership with the Riverside Education Enhancement Foundation. (REEF)
REEF promotes education and arts enhancement in Riverside schools and has close ties with North. We streamlined the process of getting the scholarship dollars to our students and want to thank REEF partners for helping us in this endeavor.
Sandy Ramirez, outgoing REEF President, handing Stefanny and Kevin Cuaron their HJLS fall scholarships.
In collaborating with REEF, we hope to expand our reach in the community to gain more exposure and support for our scholarship.
We continue to learn more about the needs of North’s students, recognizing each student’s path is unique. It is our sincere mission to lift up each scholarship winner as they navigate their learning journey to fulfill their dream.
To date, we have awarded $16,400 in scholarships. Our current balance is just under $180,000. As we’ve reported before, our next goal is to be able to provide two $6000 awards every year to graduating North students who will attend a community college.
In order to endow the fund – that is, reach a balance in which the interest alone will cover the costs of two annual scholarships of $6000 each, we need to reach $250,000.
Our fund remains with the Inland Empire Community Foundation. (IECF) https://www.iegives.org/ We chose to work with IECF because of their solid philanthropic presence and their extensive experience in Riverside and its surrounding counties. All donations are tax deductible.
A big thank you to Class of ’75, which raised more than $3500 at their 50th high school reunion this past October. That number was matched by some alumni.
As we approach 2026, please consider an annual or a monthly donation! And, if you have a creative fund-raising idea we’d love to hear about it.
Dr. Jackson impacted each of us on the founding committee differently and profoundly. All of us believe his leadership was instrumental in shaping our lives. He encouraged students to listen to one another with respect. Dr. Jackson’s core value was that the critical road to reaching your dreams was through a lifelong path of learning. It is that legacy we seek to honor. We know there are many places that need support and appreciate your belief in our mission.