Katherine Verrando, a high school senior, won a $1,000 scholarship for college or vocational school from the February 2025 California Jaycee Foundation scholarship competition.
The Jaycee Foundation is a nonprofit organization that aims to help students advance their careers and business goals. It provides scholarships and opportunities for students to pursue leadership and community service advancements. The foundation aims to award multiple scholarships of $1,000 each to students to help them meet their goals.
Throughout high school, Verrando has completed numerous hours of community service by advocating for global and local issues. Her work representing the Key Club 04 South division helped raise funds for charities. She led the ANHS chapter and assisted 300 students in 10 schools.
Verrando has also demonstrated excellent leadership skills. She has participated in and led many organizations that have made a significant impact. The California Jaycee Foundation utilizes this principle when selecting scholarship winners to determine which students have the abilities to create a future impact.
Verrando worked as the founder of the Changemakers Student Leadership Team and as an executive director for The World in Us. She also interned at the Institute for Youth in Policy so she could help give students a voice. All of Verrando’s leadership roles strengthened her application, which highlighted her outstanding community achievement and leadership.
Verrando spent her free time as the student representative of the California Instructional Quality Commission, where she represented 6 million students across K-12 schools. During her time as the representative, she advocated for changes in schools by advising the Board of Education to represent her peers’ voices.
Verrando’s impressive achievements and strong leadership helped shape her future career aspirations. She aims to pursue a career in public service, where she hopes to create change through cyber diplomacy to aid peace.
The president of the CA Jaycee Foundation says, “We believe Katherine’s interest in service to humanity demonstrates the potential for a fulfilling life helping others.”
Throughout high school, Verrando maintained a 4.65 GPA and served as class president and ASB secretary. During her time in ASB, she led students, organized and planned events that positively impacted ANHS. She also aided the Capistrano school board by interning in the CA-40 District Office and the Youth Mentoring Action Network.
Ryan Ramlawi (12), Verrando’s classmate, says, “She has worked very hard throughout high school, especially in school. She has very impressive extracurriculars and leadership skills, which I think will help her a lot in the future to achieve her goals.”
At the district office, Verrando monitored district and state issues, current events and relevant legislation. She also assisted with research and project planning. Verrando utilized her understanding of the functions, practices, and operations of the California State Legislature.
Overall, Verrando’s impressive leadership, community service and GPA helped her receive the scholarship, which she may use to advance her educational goals. She dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to bettering her community, making her the perfect candidate for the scholarship.
