Paloma graduate Orozco awarded Minerva Scholarship

Paloma Valley High School graduate Celi Orozco is one of two residents of Senate District 23 who were recently awarded a 2024 Minerva Scholarship by Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa).

The WiCL Minerva Scholarship is awarded to eligible female students admitted to or currently enrolled at an accredited college or university. “The winners are selected from a highly competitive pool based on their intellectual energy, scholastic achievement, community involvement, and work history,” according to a news release.

Halle Aldrich, a resident of Yucaipa, was the other student awarded with a scholarship.

“I am truly overjoyed to support scholarship opportunities, especially those that empower women through higher education,” said Ochoa Bogh, who serves as 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!”

Orozco, a 2022 graduate of Paloma Valley, was a standout wrestler for the Wildcats. She also served as secretary of the Latin Culture Club and the Interact Club. In her first year at UC Berkeley, she contributed to the Medical Journal and volunteered with the Red Cross and Raices Retention Center. She is majoring in molecular and cell biology.