Riverside, CA – April 21, 2016– Since 2006, the Wayne B. Hays Scholarship program, in memory of Hal Hays’ late father Wayne, has awarded $84,000 in scholarships to our employees and their family members in pursuit of higher education. These smart students, who aspire to become future engineers, teachers, and doctors, face rising college expenses and many are the first-generation to attend college. Scholarship winners are announced at the annual HHCI Christmas party and Hal’s mom, Louise, is present to congratulate all the winners.
This year HHCI expanded the program to designate scholarships for Native American students in tribute to the Hays family’s native heritage. Awardees include:
- Jolina Gray – a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA, is from Tsaile, AZ within the Navajo Nation. HHCI presented her with a $5,000 scholarship award to provide resources for college application expenses in pursuit of her higher education goals.
- American Indian Chamber Education Fund – HHCI donated a $2,000 scholarship in support of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of California’s Scholarship program. Scholarships are presented annually during the Chamber’s Native American Heritage Month Commemorative Luncheon held each November.
- Jessica Torres – Currently attends the University of Phoenix and works at Big Bear Middle School in the Special Education department. She was awarded a $2,500 scholarship from HHCI. Her educational goals are to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Studies along with a General Education teaching Credential. Jessica is eager to shape the lives of young children and create well educated future leaders of our society.
- Eduardo Pacheco-Morales – His goal is to obtain a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Art and Animation at DigiPen Institute. He is a first-generation college student and is eager to complete his studies and begin fulfilling his dream of a career path in creative arts. With the help of a $2,500 scholarship from HHCI, Eduardo is able to pursue his career goals and enhance his skill set in the areas of Digital Art.
HHCI congratulates our latest awardees and looks forward to hearing about their future educational achievements and professional accomplishments!