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As we creep close to the start of the 2022-2023 school year, take a moment to celebrate East Sacramento Preservation’s 2022 Community Voices Scholarship winners. We recognized four graduating students from our designated public high school, Kit Carson International Baccalaureate. These students value and support their neighbors and neighborhoods.

Rocio Jazmin Villanueva plans to be a nurse and will attend Sacramento State University. During COVID-19 Jazmin helped clean up her neighbors’ yards and came up with the idea of free manicures and acrylic nails. “Women who get their nails done sometimes do it to feel better, including me,” Jazmin notes. Her volunteer efforts helped her neighborhood navigate the challenges of the pandemic.

Kiaya Batkin will attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and continue to a master’s in City and Regional Planning. “Speaking up has never been my strong suit, but I have had to develop the skills regardless,” said Kiaya. Work as a summer camp counselor offered her the chance to pass her burgeoning communication skills forward by helping several shy students overcome hesitation and anxiety.

Claire Kinego will study biology at UC Santa Barbara and plans a career working with animals. During the pandemic Claire volunteered at the Sacramento Public Library. She worked with children to develop their reading skills over Zoom. “Sometimes during the sessions, I could tell some of the students were really struggling. Not just with work but also life,” Claire explained. She realized that her hours tutoring over the computer may have not seemed like much, but it helped struggling kids during a tough time. 

Emily Seltzer enrolled in Sacramento City College and plans to transfer to San Diego State University. She is working towards a career in physical therapy. Emily’s childhood home saw the constant presence of therapists. “My younger sister has autism, and I learned a great deal about the condition and acceptance,” Emily said. All four years of high school Emily volunteered with the Fly Brave Foundation. This organization helps people with autism to develop life skills.

ESP is grateful to the community sponsors and individuals who make this scholarship program possible.