Forty-six students from Gridley, Biggs and Live Oak attended the luncheon. All students have GPAs of 3.9 or higher. 

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – Forty-six scholars from Gridley, Biggs and Live Oak High schools, along with principals and counselors, gathered for the annual Quota Scholarship Luncheon on May 16 at the Veteran’s Memorial Hall.

All the students achieved a Grade Point Average of 3.9 or higher. In years past, the GPA necessary to attend the luncheon was 3.75 or higher but the cut-off had to be raised because of space. 

“You guys keep getting smarter and smarter, and we only have a limited amount of money and space, so we had to take it up to 3.90,” said Quotarian Sue Bernard. 

Each student stood and introduced themselves and shared their inspiring plans. Plans varied from attending Butte College or Yuba College, Chico State, Washington State, University of California at Davis, Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa or entering the military.

A few examples: Nathan Zumwalt said he plans to major in criminal justice at Butte College.

Also attending Butte College will be Ryan Taranto, majoring in kinesiology while he plays baseball. 

Allie Little from Biggs will attend Chico State University for nursing.

Live Oak High School student Mason Eccles will enter the United States Marine Corps in special operations.

Bernard shared inspirational messages, first from Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, “You cannot dream of becoming something you do not know about. You have to learn to dream big. Education exposes you to what the world has to offer, to the possibilities open to you.” 

Bernard continued by quoting Winston Churchill, “Success is the ability to go from one failure to another, with no loss of enthusiasm.”

The late Kobe Bryant said “Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses.”

Finally, Steve Jobs said, “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your inner voice, and most important, have the courage to follow your own heart and intuition. The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking, because you’ll know it when you find it.” 

Quota’s mission is “Empowering the advancement of women and children” and scholarships for high school students fit that category. The cash total for the scholarships being awarded this year is $18,500, much of which came from the Quota Thrift store revenue. Winners were announced at their school’s award nights. 

Several of the scholarships are earmarked for those pursuing trade schools and some are unclaimed. There is still time to apply.  Call 530-546-2437 for more information.