Six Energy, Power-Related College Scholarships
Awarded by Silicon Valley Power

June 30, 2010

Six college scholarship grants for Santa Clara-based students pursuing studies related to energy services, public power and / or the power industry have been awarded by Silicon Valley Power (SVP).

Chosen by a panel of local power, business, and educational professionals, three graduating high school seniors and three students currently enrolled in a community college or university each received $5,000 tuition grants. Santa Claras Crystal Ghosh of Castilleja School, Darren Schibler of Bellarmine College Preparatory, and Joshua Gisi of Archbishop Mitty High School will begin college in the fall. Micaela Avila and Krista Vegter of DeAnza College plan to transfer to four-year schools. Simone Getty of San Jose State University is continuing her studies.

“We are proud to support these promising Santa Clara residents,” said John Roukema, Director of SVP. “All six have proven themselves academically and are pursuing educations that will lead to careers in a variety of disciplines that will help fight climate change.”

Crystal Ghosh is planning to study chemical engineering and alternative energy sources when she decides on a four-year university. Crystal interned at the Khosla lab at Stanford Universitys Department of Chemical Engineering, volunteered in several community organizations, and earned all-league honors in high school track and field.

Darren Schibler will pursue a degree in environmental science at the University of Vermont. This summer, Darren received an EarthWatch Institute grant to study the turtle population at the Pine Barrens on the New Jersey coast. Following that assignment, he will work with the Student Conservation Association on trail maintenance in the Sand Dunes National Park in southern Colorado.

Joshua Gisi will study in the environmental engineering department of the University of California-Irvine and is focusing on helping make the world sustainable and energy efficient. Joshua enjoys playing soccer, and has volunteered for numerous community activities including food banks and Save the Bay.

Micaela Avila is studying civil engineering relating to the construction of low-emission facilities and buildings that are environmentally friendly. A National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar, Micaela has volunteered at the Santa Clara City Library and participated in the Santa Clara Unified School District organization Girls Achieving in Non-traditional Subjects (GAINS), and One Step Ahead.

Krista Vegter is studying environmental studies pollution prevention at DeAnza College and plans to transfer to a four-year school to continue her education in that field. Solar technology and sustainable building practices are of interest to her. Krista has been active with local open space cleanup projects and enjoys activities such as biking, surfing, hiking, music, writing and painting.

Simone Getty is majoring in mechanical engineering at San Jose State University with a minor in industrial design and green engineering. Simone will visit China next year to learn about engineering opportunities and business practices.

The recipients were recognized at the Santa Clara City Council meeting on June 29th.

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