Coachella Valley Alumnae Panhellenic holds scholarship luncheon

The day was all about students. For them, it was a day in which memories are made. Coachella Valley Alumnae Panhellenic (CVAP) events are always exciting and inspiring. For decades, the nonprofit has maintained one of the most generous of scholarship programs in the desert, and yet each time it seems fresh and new with moving stories from the new recipients.

This year's event, held at the magnificent Indian Ridge Country Club in Palm Desert, was no exception.

The term "Panhellenic" has Greek roots (Pan, meaning "all"; Hellenic, meaning "Greek," or all the sororities with Greek letters), and all 26 sororities are represented in the valley chapter.

Panhellenic has a tradition of awarding college scholarships to young women, graduating seniors, who have demonstrated excellent academic achievement.

CVAP President Joyce Johnson welcomed the many guests on May 4, who were there to see a student receive her scholarship. She thanked CVAP members for their generosity. Over the decades, this volunteer group has given hundreds of thousands of dollars to assist these remarkable girls in realizing their vision through higher education.

The speakers were two returning students who had received scholarships: Jacque Perez and Angela Laziti.

"Sorority membership creates a sense of belonging on campus," Perez said. "It empowers women to thrive and realize their dreams. Being a Kappa Alpha Theta has made my college experience unforgettable."

Laziti also expressed her gratitude to CVAP for allowing her to join Kappa Alpha Theta which, she said, has enriched her academic experience at the University at San Diego.

Scholarship chair Linda Simmons presented Perez with a certificate for sorority membership and $2,000.

Simmons explained that members, usually a panel of three, go to 10 public high schools in the Coachella Valley, Desert Sands and Palm Springs school districts and select the most deserving students based on interviews and academic achievement. School activities are considered, also. She thanked the volunteers for their dedication and work.

Then she introduced the class of 2024.

The program showcased each scholarship recipient as she told her story and shared her goals.

Attending UC Berkeley: Barbara Hernandez Robolledo (Desert Mirage High School) will work toward a degree in civil engineering, looking to the goal of owning her own company. She plans are to optimize the resources of the eastern part of the Coachella Valley. Emily Tucker (Palm Desert High School) will major in economics or history. Her goal is still undecided. Frida Arriago (Shadow Hills High School) wants to study computer science with a goal to intern at a tech company and enroll in their five-year BS-MS computer science program. She wants to be "the first member of my family to earn a master's degree and become a data analyst for a tech company or the government."

Attending UC Santa Barbara: Julianna Ledezma (Desert Hot Springs High School) plans to study biopsychology on the medicine track and become a pediatrician. Azul Hernandez (Cathedral City High School) plans to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing — specifically to be a labor and delivery nurse. Jaime Anne Mendoza (Palm Springs High School) plans to major in pre-actuarial science with a minor in film studies.

Attending UC Irvine: Vanessa Arreola (Indio High School) plans to major in social policy and public services. Her goal is to be a social worker and develop research to help communities in need.

Attending UC Riverside: Emma Daniella Chapa (La Quinta High School) plans for a degree in business. Her goal is to become a real estate agent or go into a marketing field.

Attending UC Fullerton: Jarezi Madrigal Delaherran (Rancho Mirage High School) is aiming for a degree in pediatric nursing. Her goal is to come back to the Coachella Valley and work as a registered nurse.

Installation of the new board was conducted by Sandi Dyer and included incoming president Pamela Simco, following outgoing president Joyce Johnson.

For members, the scholarship luncheon is the crowning event of the year with much honor going to Simmons.

To learn more about Coachella Valley Alumnae Panhellenic or to make a donation, visit cvap4scholars.org.

Joanne Hardy, a teacher with a yen to write (especially historical fiction) has published three novels, the first set during the Civil War, the second, during the Great Depression and most recently a story about the rise of the railroad era, the Civil War and the Women's Suffragette movement. A desert resident since 1958, she has reported for the Desert Scene for 13 years.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Coachella Valley Alumnae Panhellenic holds scholarship luncheon