2023 Mater Dei High School Acts of Kindness Scholarship Award
We're thrilled to announce that The Anthony Michael Barajas Foundation is celebrating its second year of awarding scholarships to deserving high school students. Lily Hirsch and Micah Golden are the latest recipients, marking the continuation of our annual initiative to support individuals who embody the same spirit of kindness and generosity that Anthony himself exemplified.
About Lily
Lily Reynolds, a senior at Mater Dei High School, stands out for her exceptional academic achievements and vibrant extracurricular pursuits. With a remarkable 4.71 GPA, she exemplifies dedication and excellence in her studies, setting a high standard for herself and her peers. As the eldest of four siblings, Lily takes on the role of a responsible leader, guiding her younger sister Audrey, a sophomore, and her twin brothers, aged 11, with care and compassion. Raised with a strong sense of community, Lily attended public schools such as Crescent Elementary and El Rancho Charter, following in the footsteps of her mother, a proud Mater Dei alumna. On the soccer field, Lily shines as a formidable center midfielder, demonstrating both skill and sportsmanship. Despite enduring multiple injuries, including a significant knee injury, she has persevered with determination and resilience. Off the field, Lily's passion for the arts is evident. She has immersed herself in theater, taking three classes and nurturing dreams of pursuing acting professionally. Alongside her creative pursuits, Lily finds joy in analyzing data and exploring statistical trends, envisioning a future that merges her diverse interests.
About Micah
Micah Golden, a junior at Mater Dei High School, is a beacon of kindness and connection in his community. With a solid 3.6 GPA, Micah excels academically while prioritizing his passion for uplifting others through his actions and words. As the only child of a mother from Peru, who is also a proud Mater Dei alumna, Micah's upbringing is enriched by diverse cultural influences. Having experienced life in both California and Oregon, he brings a unique perspective to his interactions and endeavors. Micah's educational journey led him through Canyon Vista Elementary School and Don Juan Avila Middle School in Aliso Viejo before ultimately choosing Mater Dei to honor his family legacy. Immersing himself in the vibrant world of theater and musicals from his freshman year, he finds solace and joy in the power of performance. Driven by a passion for storytelling and music, Micah has been actively involved in theater for six years, participating in school productions and the all-school play. His love for the arts stems from his belief in the profound connectedness of humanity, viewing every interaction as an opportunity to forge bonds and celebrate individual uniqueness. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Micah's interests span the realms of Science and Biology, showcasing his diverse range of passions.
Our inaugural scholarship was awarded to a student from Mater Dei High School, a place Anthony cherished dearly. As he often expressed, his time at Mater Dei was the highlight of his life, filled with cherished memories and lifelong friendships.
Looking ahead, we're excited to continue spreading Anthony's legacy of generosity to others in need. Future missions of the foundation will include supporting families at CHOC hospital and various other charitable causes close to Anthony's heart.
With each scholarship awarded and every act of kindness inspired, we move closer to realizing our vision of a world where compassion and generosity thrive. Together, let's make Anthony's dreams as big as our donations. Join us in celebrating kindness and making a difference, one scholarship at a time.Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
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