from the Bright Futures Scholars
The Quality of Life Center, Inc.’s Bright Futures Scholars Leadership Development Program, under the direction of CEO/Dean of Scholars Dr. Sandra E. Thomas, held its annual Special Holiday/Christmas Celebration with two of Los Angeles County’s top public officials serving as program mentors: LA County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich (Honorary Dean of Scholars) and LA County Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby.
It was a very joyous event in the spirit of the upcoming Holiday Season, in spite of the cool wet weather. Program participants and their families received gifts galore, while enjoying fun activities and many other festivities. The event was held at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Altadena to accommodate the 800+ attendees. This is due to increased size of the scholars enrolled in the program this year. The 2013-2014 Class doubled in size from the previous year due to the popularity of the program.
The nationally renowned Bright Futures Scholars Leadership Development Program participants are brilliant young academic achievers from all local middle and high schools. Student must maintain a 3.0 or better Grade Point Average (GPA) to quality for the program; many are from low income, at-risk family situations and work diligently to overcome insurmountable odds. This program is supported by numerous grants and donations from the community at large. Political and business leaders also support the program by serving as mentors to the scholars.
The 2013-2014 program mentors are: Dean of Scholars, Dr. Sandra E. Thomas, Altadena Town Council Member; Honorary Dean of Scholars, Michael D. Antonovich, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors; U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff; California Congresswoman Judy Chu; California State Senator Carol Liu; California Assembly Majority Whip Chris Holden; Former California Assemblyman Anthony Portantino; Mayor of Pasadena, Bill Bogaard; Pasadena Vice Mayor Jacque Robinson; Pasadena City Councilman John Kennedy; Los Angeles County Sheriff Leroy Baca; Pasadena Chief of Police Phillip Sanchez; Santa Paula Chief of Police Steve McLean; Altadena Sheriff Station Captain John Benedict; C.H.P. Altadena Station Captain Steve Strull; Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby; Pasadena City Manager Michael Beck; PUSD Superintendent Jon Gundry; Pasadena City College President Dr. Mark Rocha; Pasadena City Attorney Michele Bagneris; Pasadena Water and Power, General Manager Phyllis Currie; Pasadena Superior Court Judge Philip Soto; Superior Court Judge Michael Carter and Superior Court Judge Lia Martin and retired Captain Roosevelt Blow, Altadena Sheriff’s Station. Each mentor spends time mentoring the scholars throughout the school year in group and individual sessions.
The program prides itself in the fact that 100% of the scholars graduating from this program enter colleges, universities or attend other institutions of higher education.
In addition to the Special Holiday Celebration a sizable donation was collected at the event for the victims of the recent tragedy Haiyan Typhoon in the Philippines. Many program participants brought non-perishable items to the church that were immediately turned over to volunteers that were prepared to ship these items directly to the devastated area. In the spirit of the holiday season a very healthy donation was collected.
To find out more about the program Google “Sandra E Thomas Southern California Edison” and click on the YouTube clip. If you would like to support the Bright Futures Scholars Leadership Development Program, credit cards, PayPal or checks are welcome. Visit our website at www.qualityoflifecenterinc.com for more information on where to send your donations.
We’d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very merry, prosperous and safe Holiday Season in honor of their chosen reason for the season.
