The PTT Scholarship is a merit-based college scholarship which aims to to celebrate the values of family, generosity, hard work, & humility, by awarding 1 exemplary high school graduate annually.
RACHEL.AMIR CHATMAN (2020 recipient)
High School: Carlmont High School
College: University of Southern California
Intended Major: Biomedical Engineering
Rachel.Amir will be attending the University of Southern California. Having attended a high school where African Americans were less than 2% of the student body, she decided on USC because they emphasized the importance of a diverse student body, which was really important for her. Furthermore, USC's Viterbi School of Engineering is highly ranked, and Rachel.Amir is set on pursuing Biomedical Engineering. She has liked Math & Science ever since elementary school, and she wants to become a Biomedical Engineer and work to develop medical products that help improve the quality of life and health of those with disabilities or vulnerabilities keeping them from the life that they desire.
"My mom taught me that even though you may have things going on in your life and things you need to attend to, you're never too busy to look out for others. Be kind, be generous, and give back to those in need. I just really strive to have those qualities that my mom has."
simone spandau (2019 recipient)
High School: Sequoia High School
College: University of Rochester
Intended Major: Cognitive Science
Simone is interested in becoming a psychiatrist. She has decided on attending University of Rochester in New York because they have a really great program in the cognitive brain sciences and the kind of education she's looking for, where students can hone in on different curriculum clusters. Also, she's been skiing since she was little, and University of Rochester is one of the few schools that has a ski race team, which would be a great opportunity for her to continue skiing in college.
"I went to 3 different middle schools in 3 different states, and being the new kid every year forced me to learn to understand people of any kind of background, and all types of people. I actively pursue an immense empathy for others and really want to help when it comes to being an emotional support for others."
gerryk madrigal ayala (2019 runner-up)
High School: Sequoia High School
College: Santa Clara University
Intended Major: Political Science, Business Management
Gerryk wants to pursue a career in public service. He has decided on attending Santa Clara University in California because he is passionate about social justice, and reputable politicians to him like Gavin Newsom and Janet Napolitano were alumni of SCU, and because the school instills the Catholic values in their students that align with his background. They also have a Social Engagement Center, which offers clubs and community service opportunities for students to get involved in the local community. One of his dreams in the future is to establish a non-profit organization to extend free legal services for low-income or undocumented families.
"The way that my parents have raised me 'Always want to achieve more, always push yourself to do well, not just for yourself but for the benefit of others, help improve the lives of others, and leave your mark' is something I've carried with me in everything I do. I can't give others money to help pay rent, but I can understand their experiences in depth and build connections, and help them improve themselves to move forward and later achieve their goals.”