Don Diego scholarship goes to RaeAnne vanTol
Don Diego Scholarship Foundation on Sunday announced that RaeAnne vanTol has been awarded a $5,000 college scholarship.
RaeAnne will be attending California Polytechnic State University in the fall as an animal science major. Her 4.26 grade-point average and extracurricular activities prove RaeAnne will be successful in all her future endeavors, states a release from the foundation.
The Don Diego Scholarship is a prestigious award only given to high school seniors who have participated at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. RaeAnne received the 4-H Scholarship after exhibiting swine, veal, dairy cattle, and sewing projects at the San Diego County Fair held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
“Through my 4-H experience, I have grown in qualities such as responsibility, leadership, hard work, and citizenship by raising livestock projects, working as a Fair steering committee member, and interaction with fellow peers and my community,” said RaeAnne, a Mountain Valley Academy senior who has played sports on Ramona High School’s varsity basketball and swim teams.
RaeAnne comes from a background in agriculture and said she has enjoyed every moment in the industry. Besides her 4-H projects, she has worked as a calf feeder, child caregiver, and horse groomer. She enjoys art and drama.
RaeAnne will be recognized at the Don Diego Scholarship Foundation’s annual gala at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Turf Club on June 28. The event is open to the public, and tickets and table sponsorship may be purchased at www.dondiegoscholarshipfoundation.org or call 858-792-4210.
The evening will begin with a cocktail hour and silent auction, including wine tasting with Alysha Stehly of Vesper Vineyards, a 2003 scholarship recipient. During this time guests will be able to meet the scholars followed by fine dining and a concert by Creedence Clearwater Revisited.
The Don Diego Fund has awarded more than $575,000 in college scholarships and grants for agricultural education since 1985. The scholarship was named after Tom Hernandez, who served as the Fair’s goodwill ambassador from 1947-84.
The scholarship supports those students who are ambassadors for the county, academically and through their achievements. Funds are raised through the annual gala, the Amigo club, and donations. For more information or to make a donation, go to www.dondiegoscholarshipfoundation.org.