Benson Scholarship Fund
HISTORY OF THE JOHN BENSON SCHOLARSHIP FUND The story began in July of 2004 when John Benson retired from teaching, after serving a distinguished 39-year career at Garfield High School. At his retirement celebration, the Class of 1968, which was the only class that he ever sponsored, gave Benson $1,000. This money was to be used for a scholarship which would bear his name. The members of the class of 1968 that formed the original Scholarship Committee included Linda Cuadra, Ralph Moran, Frances Salazar, Carlos Venegas and Benson. They raised an additional $2,500 through fund-raising efforts and donations. As a result, $3,500 was shared between five recipients. In 2005 Jema Estrella and Javier Gonzalez (both members of the Class of 1991) joined the committee. A successful fund-raiser and donation drive allowed us to award $12,000 to 18 deserving graduating seniors. The following year, 2006, the committee decided to hold their First Annual Golf Tournament at Montebello County Club. The tourney was a huge success and allowed the committee to award 24 scholarships totaling $24,000. Larry Romero acted as the Tournament Director and we were assisted by numerous volunteers. In 2007 the John Benson Scholarship Committee increased in size with the addition of Raquel Garcia (Class of 1976) and Carmen Martinez (Class of 1991). They held the Second Annual Golf Tournament, also at Montebello Country Club. The results were mind-boggling. They raised $31,000, which they awarded among 31 Garfield seniors. This year we are going to be hosting the Third Annual John Benson Scholarship Golf Tournament. The event will be held on Friday, March 13, 2009 at Montebello Country Club. The tournament promises to be the best ever. For information about the tournament and the Scholarship Committee and Fund, contact John Benson at bensonj1200@charter.net. What makes our scholarship so unique is that we are looking for deserving seniors who are committed to giving back to the community upon completion of their college education.
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