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BASIC Scholars

Recent Scholarship Awardees

Every scholar here grew up in Borrego Springs and earned a BASIC scholarship on their way to what comes next. Tap anyone to meet them properly — in their own words.

Class of 2026

9 of our 51 awarded scholars

A just-for-fun photo of Anavey Gonzalez

Class of 2026

Anavey Gonzalez

Borrego Springs → Cal State University Fullerton

Better late than never

The road so far

  1. Borrego Springs
  2. BASIC Scholar Class of 2026
  3. → Cal State University Fullerton (in progress)

Career goal / dream job

MRI Technician

Hobbies & interests

playing sports & helping others through community service and volunteering.

Favorite school teacher

Mr. Ramirez

Why that teacher mattered

He has a great sense of humor and could make everyone laugh, which made learning more enjoyable. At the same time, he was incredibly caring and made sure every student felt seen and included. He always checked in to make sure no one was falling behind and was willing to take the time to help anyone who needed it. He was the kind of teacher you could always count on for support, encouragement, and guidance. More than just a great teacher, he is a genuinely kind person who made a positive impact on everyone in his classroom.

A BASIC memory I keep

Hanging out with friends and making even more friends

Advice to younger scholars

Don’t give up in what you know you deserve, all your hard work will be worth it in the end.

A just-for-fun photo of Anavey Gonzalez
Just for fun.

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A just-for-fun photo of Angela Fregoso

Class of 2026

Angela Fregoso

Borrego Springs High School '24

Always remember why you started.

The road so far

  1. Borrego Springs High School 2024
  2. BASIC Scholar Class of 2026

Career goal / dream job

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Hobbies & interests

Studying, listening to music, walking, spending time with loved ones.

Favorite school teacher

Mrs. Baay

Why that teacher mattered

She was very kind, caring, and patient with all of her students. She always made everyone feel welcome and took the time to help whenever someone was struggling. She believes in all her students and encouraged us to do our best, which made a positive impact on me.

A BASIC memory I keep

Absolutely everything :)

Advice to younger scholars

Make sure you go into college with a clear goal and know what you want to achieve. Having a reason for why you're working toward your career will help keep you motivated even in your most difficult moments. Stay focused, believe in yourself, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Always remember why you started and who you're doing it for because that can help you get through the toughest days. College is more than just getting a degree, it's a chance to learn, grow, and become the person you want to be. Work hard, stay positive, and trust yourself and the process; every challenge is helping you become stronger.

To the scholars after me

I would tell any Borrego Springs student to take advantage of BASIC because they truly want to help you succeed. They support you through every step of the college process, from applying to schools and scholarships to answering questions and giving advice. What surprised me most was how much they cared about helping me reach my goals. They believe in you and encourage you to pursue your dreams, no matter what career you choose. If you are willing to put in the work, Borrego BASIC will be there to support you and help you build a successful future. Thanks to them, I am just about to get to the finish line of my dream and end goal.

To the people who made this possible

Dear Scholarship Donors, Thank you so much for your generosity and for believing in students like me. I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue my education and work toward my dream of becoming a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. Your support has helped make this journey possible, and I truly appreciate everything you have done for students like me. Right now, I am in my clinical rotations, spending 10-hour days, five days a week learning from experienced sonographers and caring for patients. I am just a few months away from finishing my program and earning my degree. It is exciting to see how far I have come, and I know I would not be this close to reaching my dream without the support of people like you. Thank you for helping make my dream a reality. Your kindness and generosity have given me the chance to build a career that I am passionate about. I hope that one day I can give back to others and make a positive difference in someone's life, just as you have made a difference in mine. I am truly thankful for your support and for believing in my future.

A just-for-fun photo of Angela Fregoso
Just for fun.

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Class of 2026

Aurora Fregoso

Borrego Springs '18 → College of the Desert

The road so far

  1. Borrego Springs 2018
  2. BASIC Scholar Class of 2026
  3. → College of the Desert (in progress)

Career goal / dream job

1st Grade Teacher

To the people who made this possible

Your support is making a difference in my family's lives, and with it, I will make sure it makes a difference in the lives of Borrego Springs' children. Thank you.

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A just-for-fun photo of Brody White

Class of 2026

Brody White

Borrego Springs High School '24

Just a bit outside

The road so far

  1. Borrego Springs High School 2024
  2. BASIC Scholar Class of 2026

Career goal / dream job

President of Business Operations

Hobbies & interests

Sports, Gardening, and Cooking

Favorite school teacher

Mrs. Cauzza

Why that teacher mattered

Despite me constantly getting in trouble, she had the patience and care to develop my work ethic and discipline in academics at an early age.

A BASIC memory I keep

My favorite Basic memory was when I worked at the Learning Academy and seeing students understand a topic they had been working on. One of my teachers called this the "Aha Moment"

Advice to younger scholars

When you put in enough work any dream can be achieved.

A just-for-fun photo of Brody White
Just for fun.

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A just-for-fun photo of Jose Arias

Class of 2026

Jose Arias

Borrego Springs High School '25

Happy

The road so far

  1. Dolly Parton Imagination Academy 2015
  2. Learning Academy 2020
  3. Borrego Springs High School 2025
  4. BASIC Scholar Class of 2026

Career goal / dream job

Musician (Drummer/Guitarist)

Hobbies & interests

Graphic Design, Photography, Video Games, Music

Favorite school teacher

Peter Kellner

Why that teacher mattered

Coding club was the most fun EVER !!

Advice to younger scholars

Set your mind to one thing you love, and focus on that for the rest of your life.

A just-for-fun photo of Jose Arias
Just for fun.

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A just-for-fun photo of Martha Sanchez

Class of 2026

Martha Sanchez

Borrego Springs '26

😛

The road so far

  1. Borrego Springs 2026
  2. BASIC Scholar Class of 2026

Career goal / dream job

Veterinary assistant

Hobbies & interests

Art, editing, and hanging with my friends😼

Favorite school teacher

Pancho

Why that teacher mattered

He is a trusted teacher and a great help when you are struggling with assignments.

A BASIC memory I keep

The marshmallow and toothpick building contest. (I lost 😞)

Advice to younger scholars

Don't Miss Opportunities! Say YES when invited to events, and internships even if nervous! Some best connections/chances come randomly and you won’t get them back later so jump in now!

To the scholars after me

If you're behind academically or just need extra support to understand tough subjects, Borrego BASIC is designed for students like you to help you succeed!

To the people who made this possible

I want to express my gratitude for your generosity. Your support means more than just financial aid, it’s an investment in my future! Without donors like you, pursuing higher education would be impossible.

A just-for-fun photo of Martha Sanchez
Just for fun.

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A just-for-fun photo of Melanie Urquidez

Class of 2026

Melanie Urquidez

Borrego Springs Highschool '25

Sometimes life places you in places you never thought you’d be... to turn you into someone you never thought you’d become." - Eugenio Derbez

The road so far

  1. Borrego Springs Highschool 2025
  2. BASIC Scholar Class of 2026

Career goal / dream job

Pediatrician

Hobbies & interests

Photography, Working out at the gym, cooking & baking, playing sports with friends (volleyball & basketball)

Favorite school teacher

Francisco Ramirez Jr.

Why that teacher mattered

Mr. Ramirez was more than a teacher, he was a mentor, a role model, and one of my closest friends throughout high school. In photography and yearbook, he taught me far more than how to use a camera; he inspired me to see the world through a different lens. Those classes were filled with laughter, creativity, and lessons that extended far beyond the classroom. By my senior year, Mr. Ramirez had become someone I could always turn to for guidance and encouragement. One key memory we shared is when we celebrated my acceptance into my dream university and continually believed in my potential. His unwavering support gave me the confidence to pursue photography and digital media, passions that continue to shape who I am today.

A BASIC memory I keep

My favorite memory from BASIC was volunteering for their literacy workshops where the parents were taught reading and writing skill that they could teach their own children. Alongside my peers, I helped create a fun, supportive environment through educational activities and play. This experience sparked my passion for working with children and showed me the meaningful impact of supporting families through education.

Advice to younger scholars

One piece of advice I would share is to never be afraid of making mistakes. Some of life's greatest lessons come from moments of challenge and failure. It is through those difficult experiences that you grow, build resilience, and discover more about yourself.

A just-for-fun photo of Melanie Urquidez
Just for fun.

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A just-for-fun photo of Naylea Villarreal

Class of 2026

Naylea Villarreal

Borrego Springs High

Yes queen slay

The road so far

  1. Borrego Springs High
  2. BASIC Scholar Class of 2026

Career goal / dream job

Nurse Practicioner

Hobbies & interests

Painting, drawing, crochetting, cooking, watching old TV/movies and videogames

Favorite school teacher

Lydia Gordon

Why that teacher mattered

Because I had her for many classes and she is very cool. She also took us to Knots Berry Farm for the rollercoaster! We won 1st place most creative

A BASIC memory I keep

Having to build a bridge with Ms. Gordon

Advice to younger scholars

Community college is much more beneficial than what you think. If do not plan to attend college, give the closest community college a shot, you might discover yourself more than you think.

A just-for-fun photo of Naylea Villarreal
Just for fun.

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Class of 2026

Pedro Rodriguez

Borrego Springs '24 → Palomar College

Just Do It

The road so far

  1. Borrego Springs 2024
  2. BASIC Scholar Class of 2026
  3. → Palomar College (in progress)

Career goal / dream job

Physical Therapist

Hobbies & interests

Working out and Legos

Favorite school teacher

Francisco Ramirez

Why that teacher mattered

He was very cool and supported me outside of school

A BASIC memory I keep

Looking After Kids for LFLP

Advice to younger scholars

Not everyday is cloudy

To the scholars after me

It is a great organization that helps you get out and see the world

To the people who made this possible

I am very grateful for the help and without the help it would be very difficult to stay in college. I hope to be able to give back one day like they have

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