Santa Monica PAL Awards $31K to 10 Local Students

The Santa Monica Police Activities League handed out more than $31,000 in scholarships to 10 local students who refused to let financial barriers stand between them and their education. Individual awards ranged from $1,500 to $6,000, based on financial need, academic commitment, and dedication to higher education.

The scholarships came through the Chris Carrey PAL Education Fund during its annual Recognition Dinner on July 9. Recipients Hawene Alemayehu, Hiroshy Aguilar Aquino, Adrian Barajas, Branden Banks, Julian Gonzalez-Alfaro, Jasmin Morales, Gabriela Paniagua, Jose Perez, Kaleb Seyum, and Ricardo Torres will attend institutions including California State University campuses, Santa Monica College, and trade schools.

Eight of the ten students live in Santa Monica's Pico Neighborhood, which PAL describes as one of the city's most historically underserved communities. For many of these recipients, they're breaking new ground as the first in their families to pursue college degrees.

During the ceremony, six graduating seniors shared their personal stories and revealed their plans for the future. Their journeys highlighted not just academic achievement, but the resilience it takes to pursue education while facing financial challenges.

The Ripple Effect

Since its founding in 2002, the PAL scholarship program has awarded more than $475,000 to local students. That's hundreds of young people who've been able to say yes to education when the price tag might have forced them to say no.

"These scholarships represent far more than financial assistance," said Eula Fritz, director of the Santa Monica Police Activities League. "They reflect the belief our community has in these students, their potential, and the bright futures that lie ahead."

The fund honors Chris Carrey, a Santa Monica teenager who spent all 16½ years of his life in the city. He excelled in tennis, played bass guitar, dreamed of becoming a chef, and completed his community service with PAL before his passing.

The scholarship was established through a gift from Ed Simmons and Standard Parking, together with Neil and Karen Carrey, turning their loss into lasting opportunity for students who might otherwise miss out on higher education.

These ten students are proof that when a community invests in its young people, the returns are immeasurable.