Cardiff Library group awards scholarships

Friends of the Cardiff-by-the-Sea Library awarded five $1,500 scholarships to local graduating seniors in a June 6 presentation at the library.

This year, 18 applications were submitted. They included a 500-word essay detailing the applicants’ library experiences and why they’re pursuing higher education.

“They shared their thoughts with us about libraries, whether about books, films, music, research, a computer or just quiet time,” said Jenny Paschall, president of the Friends of the Cardiff-by-the-Sea Library board. “Now they are on their way to continue their studies and to share the importance of public libraries with others along the way.”

The five scholarship winners each thanked Friends of the Cardiff-by-the-Sea Library during the presentation.

“The library experience has opened my eyes and given me a sense of community,” said scholarship recipient Samantha Romero, who graduated from San Dieguito Academy and is heading to UC Riverside to study business economics. “And it’s exposed me to different resources, so thank you.”

To be eligible for the scholarships, applicants were required to live in one of Encinitas’ five communities.

Friends of the Cardiff-by-the-Sea Library increased the scholarships this year from $1,000 to $1,500, thanks to a significant donation to the scholarship fund. 2015 marked the 10th year of scholarships.

The other scholarship recipients were Hannah Catalina Roberts (Santa Fe Christian), Amber Shea Miller (La Costa Canyon), Arielle Kristin Michaelis (San Dieguito Academy) and Gabriela Lipson (Canyon Crest Academy).

Among those in attendance to congratulate the scholarship winners were Donna Ohr, deputy director of the San Diego County Libraries, and Adam Kaye, communications adviser and community representative for county Supervisor Dave Roberts.