On May 20th, 5 students from Watsonville High were awarded $1,000 Alicia Schoellhamer Memorial Scholarships. As a dedicated volunteer Alicia positively impacted the lives of thousands of community members in Watsonville. She volunteered with the Transportation Program, the Literacy Program, helped to start the Adopt a Family Project, and served on the board of directors as well.
Volunteer Center Board Vice President, Crystal Perez (shown here) joined Executive Director Karen Delaney in handing out the awards.
“As far back as I can remember my mother worked to make the world around her a better place. She believed in looking at the community she was part of, seeing who needed help and what needed to be done, and then putting in the work needed to make it happen. For her it was as natural as breathing, and she continued to do it as long as she drew breath,” states Alicia’s son Paul Schoellhamer who has remained actively involved in the scholarship process since it’s inception.
“While the world is filled with wonderful volunteers, Alicia had the rare ability to make others feel like a better version of themselves. After she was diagnosed with cancer and went on chemotherapy, she was a lot weaker and we worried about her. She assured me that her work with the community in Watsonville didn’t tire her out but made her feel more alive. I have no doubt that it made those around her feel more alive as well,” states Alicia’s daughter in-law Kathleen Rose.
“Alicia believed in philanthropy and saw it as an investment in the future of those who don’t have the benefit of a level playing field. I think our scholarship is given in that spirit.“
“Alicia believed in philanthropy and saw it as an investment in the future of those who don’t have the benefit of a level playing field. I think our scholarship is given in that spirit. Our family and those at the Volunteer Center who knew Alicia, wanted to create a scholarship that looked beyond academics and awarded students who utilize the spirit of generosity in spite of their own circumstance,” continued Rose.
“Our family is proud to be part of the history of the Volunteer Center. For almost 60 years they have connected individuals like Alicia with meaningful opportunities to make our community more vibrant and generous. It is truly impressive,” states Rose.
“What began in 1990 as an idea to award one student $300 dollars has grown each year and provided more than $100,000 in scholarships to Watsonville youth who make service an important part of their lives” states Volunteer Center Executive Director Karen Delaney.
“The Schoellhamer family demonstrates you don’t have to be Bill Gates to be a philanthropist. These are stories of hope, determination and joy that need to be lifted up” continues Delaney. “As the Director for over 40 years I had the privilege of working with Alicia, then her kids who founded this effort, and now are engaging their kids to help manage the selection committee. Together, we’ve created a beautiful legacy of love for each other, for Watsonville and for volunteering.”
Continue the Legacy of Love and Service
Alicia’s legacy lives on—not just in memory, but in action, through the students she continues to inspire. You, too, can create lasting change by including the Volunteer Center in your estate plans. A planned gift—of any size—helps ensure that future generations will benefit from the power of volunteerism, education, and community connection.
Learn how you can leave a legacy of generosity and transformation at https://scvolunteercenter.org/planned-giving/
