Submitted by Teresa Montano

Maria Mejia, a Fillmore High School graduate, was named the 2018 recipient of the Rosie Torres Scholarship for Future Teachers. Members of the Torres family were on hand to present the $1,000 scholarship award at a May 30 senior award ceremony held on campus.

The Rosie Torres Scholarship For Future Teachers was established five years ago to provide college financial assistance to Fillmore High School graduating seniors with plans to pursue a career in early childhood education, elementary education or secondary education.

“We congratulate Maria for her dedication to the classroom, her service to others and her commitment to helping other students succeed,” said Michael Torres. “We wish her success as she embarks on her next goal of becoming part of the future generation of educational leaders.”

Rosie Torres devoted nearly 30 years to teaching in Fillmore Unified School District and touched the lives of hundreds of students throughout her career as an educator and community volunteer. Along with her family, she established the scholarship program to inspire the next generation of teachers and invest in Fillmore High School students who are committed to improving the lives of children.

Awards are determined based on academic performance, teacher recommendations and a written essay.

Mejia’s future plans are to attend California State University, Channel Islands to pursue a teaching credential, with the goal of becoming an elementary school teacher.