Sacramento, CA (2018) – A veteran high school counselor in Santa Ana has been selected as the winner of the Arthur S. Marmaduke Award for outstanding achievements in high school counseling. Beau Menchaca was honored in a ceremony at Century High School for his dedication in encouraging students to pursue their higher education dreams, announced the California Student Aid Commission.

The presentation to Mr. Menchaca of the award, which include a California Legislative resolution, a commemorative plaque and a cash prize sponsored by ECMC, was held May 25, 2018, at Century High School in Santa Ana.  California Student Aid Commissioners Catalina Cifuentes, Jose Solario and Alejandro Lomeli were joined by, U.S. Congressman Leo Correa, a representative from California Assembly member Tom Daly’s office and Mai P. Tran of ECMC.

Mr. Menchaca, who was nominated by his colleague, Louisa Ruiz, was unaware that he would be the recipient of the 2018 Marmaduke Award.  The presenters appeared during a breakfast organized by the school to celebrate graduating seniors.

At the Commission, which is the state agency responsible for overseeing the largest state financial aid (Cal Grant) program in the country, there are several initiatives underway to try

Mr. Menchaca’s achievements at Century High School include:

• Revitalizing the campus Higher Education Center (HEC), inviting the participation of 9^th through 12^th grade students;
• Establishing a financial aid goal luncheon inviting all stakeholders including counselors, teachers, parents, higher education partners; alumni, community members and elected officials;
• Responsible for double-digit increases in financial aid applications at Century High School;
• Creating individualized Cal Grant Eligibility Flyers for students including potential grant dollar amounts;

“Every year it is so difficult to choose from the many deserving high school counselors that are nominated.  This year we selected Beau Menchaca for his dedicated advocacy for all students,” said Lupita Cortez Alcalá, Executive Director of the California Student Aid Commission. “We heard from students who described his extraordinary commitment in assisting them in applying to colleges and encouraging them to complete applications for state and federal financial aid.”  Cortez Alcalá went on to praise Mr. Menchaca’s work, saying “his efforts have resulted in many students pursuing their education dreams and he has truly made a difference in the lives of his students and their families.”

Marmaduke Award nominations are solicited annually by the California Student Aid Commission and is named after one of the longest running executive directors of the Commission:  Arthur S. Marmaduke.   He served the Commission for 25 years from 1960 to 1985 and the award was established in 1985 to carry on his legacy of making education beyond high school financially accessible to all Californians.

Finalists were (in alphabetical order):

• Priscilla Grijalva — Norte Vista High School, Riverside County
• Jacqueline Grimaldi-Rodriquez — Aspire Golden State Prep, Alameda County
• Josue Reynoso — Community Charter Early College High School, Los Angeles County)
• Deana Seyvertsen — Laguna Creek High School, Sacramento County
• Chatree Touch — George Washington High School, San Francisco County

Photographs of Mr. Menchaca are available.