Tehachapi Warrior Boosters award record 9 scholarships in 2023

Following a vote by the board of directors at the general membership meeting on April 12, the Tehachapi Warriors Booster Club is awarding a record nine scholarships for Tehachapi High School student-athletes.

The record number of scholarships for graduating seniors that are continuing their education, and in some cases athletic careers at the collegiate level, are valued at $4,500.

“To be able to say ‘yes’ to nine highly-qualified student-athletes is a great day for the Warrior Booster Club,” said President Corey Costelloe. “Thanks to our corporate partners and members, we were in a financial position to assist these young men and women with some academic costs as they continue their education at the next level and it is a wonderful feeling.”

A portion of corporate sponsorship funds are reserved for scholarships awards and the scholarships are named after that sponsor.

Recipients this year of the “Sage Ranch Scholarships” are Makenzie Shugart and Hannah Weinstein. Shugart is a varsity cheerleader and dancer, and served as captain of the squads. She will be attending Oregon State this fall majoring in design and innovation management. Weinstein is a volleyball and track athlete and will be attending a four-year university this fall. She plans to major in biomedical or mechanical engineering.

Receiving the “AES Scholarship” is Gabriela Gutierrez, a varsity cheerleader who is receiving a pair of associates degrees in Administration of Justice and Social/Behavioral Science through the dual enrollment program at Cerro Coso Community College. She will be attending Cal State Fullerton in the fall to pursue a bachelors degree in Criminology and eventually a master’s degree in criminal psychology.

The recipient of “The Village Collective Scholarship” is Iven Sandholdt. Sandholdt served as captain of the boy’s basketball team in 2023 and will also be attending a four-year university to pursue a career in fashion design and merchandising.

Recipients of the “Team Linda & Stacey of Keller Williams Scholarships” are Laura LaMonte and Michelle Orellana, both from THS girl’s basketball. LaMonte was the 2023 Most Valuable Player and will be pursuing a four-year degree in business administration while continuing her basketball career next season. Orellana was the 2023 Defensive MVP for Tehachapi and will be continuing her basketball career at UC Merced next season while pursuing a degree in psychology.

Receiving the “Martin Marietta Scholarships” are Kailey Kolesar and Cameron Westerby. Kolesar was the 2023 girl’s soccer captain and will be majoring in engineering next season at Biola University where she will also be competing on the women’s soccer team. Westerby is a member of the football and baseball teams at THS and will be joining the United States Air Force after graduation where he will pursue the security force and eventually work toward a career in law enforcement.

Taitlyn Kingsbury is the recipient of the “Nations Lending Scholarship” following a stellar career for the girls soccer team where she served as team captain for the last two seasons. Kingsbury will attend Bakersfield College this fall where she will major in radiology so she can pursue a career as an ultrasound technician.

The Tehachapi Warriors Booster Club will present these scholarships to the amazing student-athletes as part of Senior Night on Wednesday, May 31 at 6 p.m. at the THS Gymnasium.