In a commendable show of support for individuals with disabilities pursuing higher education, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger acknowledged this year's Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities Scholarship recipients. The special presentation, featured in a statement from Barger's office, took place at a Board of Supervisors meeting, celebrating fourteen individuals for their perseverance and achievements.
Chair Barger remarked during the event, "This is one of the most meaningful recognitions we host each year in our County." She went on to emphasize the importance of the scholarship program, which has been making higher education more attainable since 2003, stating, "Our Commission on Disabilities scholarship program reflects our collective commitment to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to the resources they need to pursue their academic and professional goals." The named scholarships, the Bernard Siegel and Bill Tainter Scholarship, were awarded to candidates displaying not just the academic prowess but also the triumphant spirit.
The 2025 scholarship beneficiaries come from various walks of life but share similar stories of determination. These eleven exceptional recipients of the Siegel and Tainter scholarship include Halmar Chavez, Michael Diaz, Isaac Esquibel, Luna Sarai Gonzalez, José Lopez, Paola Melena, Charles Newman, Alexander Piedras, Luiz Ramirez, Ignacio Rivera, and Cole Terry. Their scholarships honor the legacy of former commissioners dedicated to disability advocacy.
Adding to the standard awards, three specialty scholarships were presented by Barger, who, while handing over earned recognitions, acknowledged, "Although 35 years have passed since the Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted, our work continues." The Ernest T. Hamilton Jr. Memorial Scholarship, exclusive for veterans, was awarded to Ignacio Montoya. Derrick Ricafrente received the Ruben A. Rios Creative Arts and Design Memorial Scholarship for his contributions to the arts, with Gary Gregory III taking home the President’s Award.
The ceremony also provided a platform for Chair Barger to express gratitude towards the Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities for their lead in the region's accessibility and inclusion initiatives. Moreover, she appreciated the ongoing cooperation between the Board of Supervisors, the Department of Aging and Disabilities, and the Commission. Barger closed by conveying confidence in the awardees, asserting proudly, "I am proud of each scholarship recipient’s achievements and excited for the bright futures that lie ahead," indicating a stepping stone towards a society more inclusive and equitable for all.
