My name is Jolie Brenes and I am 18 years old. I applied for and received the Russ Cain Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is going to help me with tuition costs and books that I need for my classes. I graduated from Concord High School in June of 2018. I am currently attending Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, California. While I am at DVC, I plan on taking my general education classes for my major in Allied Health. My plan is to eventually transfer to San Francisco State University. My goal is to work hard in order to achieve a bachelor’s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. In the future, I hope to become an Ultrasound Technician and be able to provide for myself and help take care of my family. I am determined to make my wishes come true and live the life that my parents want for me.

I am very grateful to Pacific Media Workers Guild for this scholarship that will assist me in achieving all of my goals. Thank you! 

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The Guild awarded Jolie this scholarship out of donations made by our retirees and friends to the Russ Cain Memorial Student Aid Fund.  Russ was a member of this Local and an integral part of the volunteer leadership of the Guild.  Hailing from the Monterey Herald unit, Cain was a stalwart in the constant fight for media workers’ rights.  Read more about Russ by clicking here.

Russ passed away five years ago.  In honor of him, Guild members established the Russ Cain Memorial Student Aid Fund.  Out of that fund, the Guild awards scholarships to college-bound dependents of Guild members.  Funds are also used to help sponsor journalism students that participate in the Guild’s Bay News Rising mentorship/training program.

We want to thank everyone who donated to the fund.  Congratulations to Jolie!

If you would like to contribute to the Russ Cain Memorial Student Aid Fund, please contact interim executive officer Kat Anderson at (415) 421-6833.