The Shops at Montebello Awards $12K in College Scholarships to Local High School Seniors

The Shops at Montebello, managed by Southern California-based Pacific Retail Capital Partners, is proud to award $12,000 in college scholarships to twelve local high school seniors in recognition of their outstanding achievements. Recipients include Giovanna Treto, Gisselle Gonzalez-Perez, and Shelsy Diaz from the Applied Technology Center; Marvellla Coronado and Miguel Maravilla Montes de Oca from Bell Gardens High School; Angel Mendoza, Calysta Muro, Cristina Chun Yoxon, and Seleney Orozco from Montebello High School; and Generiah Gutierrez-Alvarez, Hailie Muro, and Mia Salaiz from Schurr High School.

In lieu of a traditional Award Ceremony, due to LA County’s Safer at Home order, The Shops at Montebello partnered with REAL 92.3’s J Cruz to host a Virtual Scholarship Ceremony.  He announced each recipient’s name with picture and spoke with some via video. Students were excited to be recognized and have a chance to share their individual stories.

“This scholarship means so much to me because I worked so hard for it,” said scholarship recipient Mia Salaiz. “The last four years of high school have been a roller coaster and now getting ready for college it’s even more crazy but knowing that our local mall is able to help the recipients of the scholarship out so much is amazing. Thank you so much to The Shops at Montebello.”

The Shops at Montebello’s Scholarship Awards recognize local seniors in their pursuit to continue their higher education and has awarded more than $72,000 to recipients in the previous six years. Supporting youth has been part of the center’s mission dating back to 1985 when the center opened. Programs like the scholarship program aim to assist local students in recognizing their educational goals and to provide initial monetary support to attain those goals. It is open to seniors at Montebello Unified School District High Schools including Applied Technology Center (ATC) High School, Bell Gardens High School, Montebello High School, and Schurr High School.

“The Shops at Montebello is thrilled to be able to recognize these hardworking and deserving scholars via our Virtual Scholarship Ceremony.,” says Marina Satoafaiga, Marketing and Business Development Manager at The Shops at Montebello. 

“We want to thank our partners at REAL 92.3 & J Cruz for agreeing to go LIVE with us and giving each of these High School seniors the pomp and circumstance they deserve. It was indeed a memorable #MontebelloMoment.”

Candidates applying for the scholarship program were evaluated on criteria including a combination of outstanding academic accomplishments, participation in school activities and clubs and community volunteer work. They must also possess a financial need, demonstrate a commitment to continuing their education and detail how The Shops at Montebello plays a role in their community. Candidates are also asked to explain three elements they would like to see at the shopping center (i.e. programs, potential tenants, etc.) in the future.

To see the full celebration, visit https://www.instagram.com/tv/CAOGKkTA-Sh/.

About The Shops at Montebello

The Shops at Montebello is a modern indoor super-regional shopping center featuring four department stores and more than 140 shops, eateries, and restaurants—remaining the leader for shopping in East Los Angeles. Located on San Gabriel Blvd at the Pomona Freeway (60) and bordered by Montebello Blvd and Town Center Drive, the two-story center is anchored by Macy’s, JCPenney, Macy’s Home and Forever 21. Brand highlights include H&M, COACH, Old Navy, Victoria’s Secret, Olive Garden, Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, and BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse. A spacious Patio Cafes (food court), family lounge, community center, charging lounges, and a lively calendar of events is rooted in community, culture, and commerce. The Shops at Montebello is operated by Pacific Retail Capital Partners. For more information, visit shopsatmontebello.com or follow us on social media at:
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