California Association of Collectors Holds Fifth Annual Scholarship Banquet

The California Association of Collectors Educational Scholarship Foundation (CACESF) held its fifth annual scholarship banquet on April 13, 2010 at The Hyatt Regency in Sacramento. In 2005, the California Association of Collectors, Inc. (CAC) founded the Educational Scholarship Foundation which awards academic scholarships to California High School seniors who write an essay on The Importance of Establishing and Maintaining Good Credit During Your College Years. Since its inception, CACESF has awarded $30,000 to California high school seniors. This year, CAC received an astounding 922 essays from high school seniors throughout the state.

The three finalists were selected by a group of volunteers who read each essay that was submitted. Each finalist was invited to Sacramento along with a parent to read their essay in front of CAC members, a group of distinguished judges, including Rozanne Anderson from ACA International, and California Senator Bob Huff, to determine first, second and third place ranking.

Jocelyn Tang from Palos Verdes Peninsula High School in Rolling Hills Estates was awarded first place and a $2,500 scholarship. Jocelyn is actively involved in Speech and Debate, Math Club, yearbook production, science research and tennis. Jocelyn has applied to Princeton, Stanford and Duke University.

Caitlin Rice from Freedom High School in Oakley was awarded second place and a $2,000 scholarship. Caitlin is a member of her schools USA Spirit National Championship Cheerleading Squad and was recently recognized as a North Coast Sectional scholar athlete for attaining a 4.0 grade point average while competing in interscholastic athletics. Caitlin plans to attend California State University Fresno where she will major in Political Science.

John Quill from La Quinta High School in La Quinta was awarded third place and a $1,500 scholarship. John is passionate about community service, especially blood donation and is a regular blood donor. John will attend California State University San Bernardino in the fall, majoring in Biology/Pre-Med.

The CACESF was started to help California high school graduates pursue their education at any accredited public or private college, university or trade school and to emphasize to high school seniors the importance of good credit management. For the latest announcements for the 2010-2011 scholarships, or for more information about CACESF, please visit CACESF’s website, www.cacesf.org.

CAC is a non-profit association that represents over 300 third-party collection agencies throughout the state. CAC’s mission is to promote, stimulate, increase and improve the educational, social, economic and ethical welfare of the California collection industry and the public it serves. For more information go to www.calcollectors.net or call CAC at (916) 929-2125.