East SBV Times

Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) has announced that Celi Orozco and Halle Aldrich, residents of Senate District 23, have been selected to receive a 2024 Minerva Scholarship.

“I am truly overjoyed to support scholarship opportunities, especially those that empower women through higher education,” said Senator Ochoa Bogh, Vice Chair of the Senate Education Committee. “Education is such a priceless gift. I am incredibly proud of Celi and Halle for their leadership, determination, and resilience. I eagerly look forward to seeing you reach your educational goals and positively impact your communities. Congratulations!”

Celi Orozco is a dedicated leader and community advocate from Menifee. As a female wrestler at Paloma Valley High School, she mentored new athletes, helping them build confidence. She served as Secretary of the Latin Culture Club and the Interact Club, organizing events and volunteer opportunities. At UC Berkeley, she contributed to the Medical Journal, interviewed researchers, and volunteered with the Red Cross and Raices Retention Center, encouraging students of color to pursue higher education. Celi is approaching her second year at the University of California, Berkeley, where she is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Molecular and Cell Biology.

Halle Aldrich from Yucaipa has held impactful roles in various settings. In high school, she demonstrated her leadership skills as Captain of the basketball team. Currently, she is the kitchen shift lead at a camp overseeing operations. During the spring 2024 semester, Halle was selected as a 'Squad Leader' in an EMT Program among over 40 students. In this role, she prepared her peers for skills stations and maintained uniform standards while showcasing her organizational abilities. Halle will attend the University of California, Irvine as a junior in the fall where she plans to major in Biological Sciences and minor in Medical Humanities.

The WiCL Minerva Scholarship is awarded to eligible female students admitted to or currently enrolled at an accredited college or university. Winners are selected from a competitive pool based on intellectual energy, scholastic achievement, community involvement, and work history. The scholarships are distributed by Women in California Leadership (WiCL) in collaboration with the California Legislative Women’s Caucus.