Posted: August, 2007
Gavilan College graduate Jessica Garcia was awarded the first annual Jim McEntee Scholarship in 2007.
Gilroy resident Jessica Garcia, raised by her mother, grandparents and aunts, almost dropped out of high school. However she persevered. She attended Mt. Madonna Continuation High school and graduated as student body president. She credits her teachers with creating an environment that allowed students to find their own identity.
After high school Jessica got a job working with the City of Gilroy, tutoring and doing recreational activities with youth. She also worked with First Five, a program which helped underprivileged Hispanic children under the age of five, participate on soccer teams, while paying all the expenses. Based on these work experiences Jessica has decided to major in recreation administration at San Jose State University.
The Jim McEntee Scholarship will be awarded annually in memory of peacemaker Jim McEntee, who was the Executive Director of the Santa Clara County Office of Human Relations for more than 27 years. To honor his peace and justice legacy, his family and friends have established a scholarship to be awarded to a Santa Clara County resident who is transferring as a junior from a Santa Clara County community college to a four year college or university. Preference is given to students who have faced obstacles to obtaining higher education.