Recently the Walsh Family legacy was forever imprinted on the lives of four young Placer County students. Del Oro High School students Danielle Inchaurregui and Rocio Palafox and Placer High School students Brittany Turner and Jessica Carlos were awarded the first annual John G. and Lillian M. Walsh Family Scholarship.

The late Marian Vade Walsh, a fourth-generation Auburn resident, established the scholarship fund at the Placer Community Foundation as a lasting legacy to her parents. With no heirs of her own, Ms. Walsh valued higher education opportunities for all. She believed students who demonstrate the motivation and dedication to attend college must be afforded the resources necessary to achieve their academic goals. By establishing the scholarship fund through her estate plan, this deep-rooted value is now a charitable vehicle that will impact students for generations.

“Some board members like myself, knew Marian and her parents for many years,” said Kelly Richardson, Chairman of the Placer Community Foundation’s Grants Committee. “We feel deeply honored to carry out her wishes and know that the Walsh family would be extremely impressed with these four, worthy young women.”

While the fund is managed by the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors, the scholarships themselves are administered by the Placer Union High School District and are exclusive to students attending Del Oro and Placer High Schools. Renewable scholarships were awarded to first generation, college-bound seniors planning to attend either Sierra College, or a four-year college or university.

Danielle Inchaurregui was surprised with a four-year scholarship at Del Oro High School’s Senior Awards Night. “I was completely stunned when they announced I got the scholarship,” said Danielle. “I wasn’t expecting such a large amount.” “My heart stopped.”

While challenging herself with courses such as AP Statistics and AP Calculus, Danielle worked throughout high school to help support her family financially. Her mother, a single parent, works two jobs. The renewable scholarship, totaling $12,000, will go towards her four year’s of tuition at U.C. Merced. From there she plans to transfer to UC Davis where she’ll study medicine.

Jessica Carlos, a senior at Placer High School, was awarded a two-year scholarship. Jessica works after school and on weekends to help with the family’s expenses while taking on academic challenges and activities in school. This last fall she organized the Latino Club, which offers on-campus cross-cultural exchange and tutoring for Hispanic students. She is going to attend Sierra College in the fall and has plans to go to medical school. “I am really excited,” said Jessica. “I am grateful to everyone that nominated me and for the opportunity.”

Based on Marian Walsh’s vision and wishes, the John G. and Lillian M. Walsh Family Scholarship was established as an endowed fund. The original gift is invested over time while earnings from the fund are used to award scholarships. This allows for secure, continued support to students like Danielle and Jessica.

For information on establishing a charitable legacy through the Placer Community Foundation visit www.placercf.org or call (530) 885-4920.