Canyon City Scholars

December 01, 2000 | Written By Meko Kapchinsky

Last May, the Celebrate Azusa Citizens Scholarship Program awarded its first scholarships to Lidia Badillo '04 and Joseph Denny '04. Badillo, an Azusa High School graduate, and Denny, a Gladstone High School graduate, were selected for their impressive academic records and community-minded involvement. Badillo earned a 3.8 grade-point average (GPA), participated in drama, and worked with children at her church. Denny maintained a 4.4 GPA while being active in a number of school activities, including the Science Club, the Concert and Marching Band, and the California Scholarship Federation.

Molly Sanchez '98, admissions counselor and member of the scholarship selection committee, said Badillo and Denny were obvious choices. "These students are truly two of Azusa’s finest," Sanchez said. "We are very happy they have chosen to pursue their education at Azusa Pacific. I think they will greatly contribute to APU during the next four years." Both Badillo and Denny were drawn to Azusa Pacific for similar reasons. Badillo knew she belonged at APU after attending a Preview Weekend. "I was really impressed by chapel," Badillo said. "It was amazing to see so many students gathered together worshipping God. This, more than anything, was the decisive factor in my decision to attend APU."

Denny, whose older brother is also a Cougar, knew that attending the university would enable him to grow in spirit and character. While visiting the campus with his father, Denny was impressed by the faith evidenced by the students, faculty, and staff with whom he spoke. "I realized that APU is a genuine Christian university in practice as well as in name," Denny said. "And I knew this would be a place where I could grow as a whole person."

Both Badillo and Denny eagerly anticipate making the most of their college experience. Denny, who is already involved in an on-campus Bible study and intramural football, hopes to impact the spiritual climate of Azusa Pacific. "There are many areas in which I'd like to contribute to APU," Denny said. "I want to be a leader on campus who brings others into a fuller understanding of Jesus Christ."

"I realized that APU is a genuine Christian university in practice as well as in name," Denny said. "And I knew this would be a place where I could grow as a whole person."

Badillo is taking this semester to acclimate to college life, but she plans to get involved in the future. "I'm very interested in working with Azusa children in a mentoring capacity," she said. "Ultimately, I'd like to get involved in some type of a drama outreach to children in Mexico."

For Badillo, Denny, and many more Azusa youth, this scholarship program opens the door to quality education at a local university. "For the students who have been awarded the scholarship this year, for those who have not yet graduated from high school, and for those still in grade school, this scholarship is a dream come true."

"This program solidifies the relationship that APU and the city of Azusa have forged. I hope that our partnership continues to grow," Roche said.

Ginny Dadaian, director of student financial services, also sees this positive connection. "This scholarship offers another way in which APU can reach out to the community of Azusa and let them know we are serious about partnership," she said.

In order to retain the $5,000, renewable scholarship, Badillo and Denny must maintain a 2.7 GPA, take at least 12 units a semester, and devote 10 hours per week to community service. As part of their service, Badillo and Denny will work as peer counselors to Azusa's high schools students, answering questions about college life and encouraging high school students to pursue a college education. Sanchez views this as an ideal situation. "Both Joseph and Lidia are passionate about giving back to and reinvesting in the city that had given so much to them during their high school years," she said. "They want to urge others to aim high."