2026 Recipients

 Hi There! My name is Lucia. I am a Croatian-American, born and raised in Southern California. I currently work as an Emergency Room Technician in a Children's Emergency Department. My career hopes for the future is to graduate from my RN-BSN program and become a Trauma Certified Registered Nurse at a Level 1 Trauma Emergency Department. My personal hobbies include being outdoors, reading, traveling, and trying all types of food. I believe that what we put into this world, we will get out of it. I want to bring joy and happiness to myself and the people around me. This scholarship has made it possible to get me one step closer to my goal and I hope to do them proud! 

 Growing up, I witnessed the impact of violence firsthand after my parents survived the Route 91 shooting. That experience taught me how fragile life can be and inspired me to dedicate my future to helping others through medicine and compassionate care. It also showed me the importance of appreciating every moment, because life is short and many people are living through circumstances they would give anything to escape—while you may already be living someone else’s dream. I will be attending the University of Central Florida to major in Biology on a pre-medical track, with the goal of becoming a LASIK eye surgeon. Through my career, I hope to make a lasting impact by helping people regain their vision, confidence, and quality of life. 

 Hi, my name is Tiana Hinojosa. I am a first-generation college student (senior), mother, and aspiring upper elementary school teacher currently attending the University of La Verne (Bakersfield Campus). I earned my Associate of Arts degree with honors from Bakersfield College. I am honored to receive this scholarship, which will allow me to continue pursuing my passion for education and advocacy for children. 

I am very active in my Bakersfield community and volunteer my time to make a meaningful difference in children's lives. I am committed to creating safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for all children I work with. My ultimate goal is to make each one of my future students feel safe, seen, heard, and valued. I hope to positively impact the lives of my future students by leading with compassion, encouragement, and kindness. I want to partner with both students and their families throughout their educational journeys.

When I heard about this scholarship through someone who knew Bailey and her family, I was simply amazed at how much she cared about children and her faith. As a Christian woman myself, I deeply connected with her story and hope to honor her legacy through the way I live, serve, and teach. I hope to become the kind of teacher Bailey would have been proud of.

Thank you for investing in my future, and in the future of the students I hope to serve one day.