SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Scholarship Winners 2022
We are pleased to introduce the students selected to receive an OCFDA scholarship in 2022. We are committed to helping mortuary science students succeed. We would like to thank our Scholarship Committee: Kimberly Worl, Rachel Atry, Liz Roberts, Ashley Garwacki, Jill Lloyd, and Chris Iverson.
Kylie Clowes
What semester are you in currently?
I am in my final semester.
When do you plan to Graduate?
I plan to graduate in May 2022.
What area of study has been your favorite so far and why?
The sciences aspect of Mortuary Science has been my favorite area of study throughout the program, specifically the Restorative Art and Embalming labs. I thoroughly enjoyed the hands-on learning in lab and being able to apply what was taught in lecture. In lab, this is where everything came together in that “AH-HA” moment and solidified I want to be an embalmer.
What are you looking forward to most in the next year?
In the next year, I am looking forward to starting my Embalming Apprenticeship and completing the Crematory Operator certification training.
If you are currently in the industry or completing your student practicums at a funeral home, which funeral home are you working with?
I am currently working in the Prep Department at Fairhaven Memorial Park and Mortuary in Santa Ana.
What are some of your goals once you graduate?
Following graduation, I hope to successfully pass my National Board Exam, California’s Embalmer and Funeral Director Exam. Other goals I have set for myself after graduation are starting and completing an Embalming Apprenticeship, as well as Crematory Operator certification. I also plan on going back to Cypress College to complete the Funeral Service Bachelor’s Program, and potentially further my education with a Master’s in Thanatology or Pathology.
When you have free time from work and studies, what do you enjoy doing?
In the short, rare occasion that I have free time from work and school, I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend and two cats. I also love eating tacos, catching a sunset, and a good nap.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our members?
I would love to share my gratitude and appreciation to OCFDA and the members for the opportunity and time to discuss my passion and goals for my education and career in funeral service. I have been incredibly fortunate throughout the last two and half years in the Mortuary Science Program at Cypress College and beginning my journey at Diamond & Shannon Mortuary. And thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the Prep Team at Fairhaven Memorial Park and Mortuary. There will never be enough thank-yous for the endless support.
Tanya Sarkissian
What semester are you in currently?
I am in my first semester.
When do you plan to Graduate?
I plan to graduate in December 202.
What area of study has been your favorite so far and why?
Funeral directing because I have learned a lot about the funeral laws and regulations.
What are you looking forward to most in the next year?
To learn more about embalming and restorative art.
If you are currently in the industry or completing your student practicums at a funeral home, which funeral home are you working with?
Forest Lawn Memorial Parks and Mortuaries in Glendale.
What are some of your goals once you graduate?
I want to work in the mortuary department and travel more.
When you have free time from work and studies, what do you enjoy doing?
Reading books, hanging out with friends, doing volunteer work, going to the beach and the gym.
Kami Gremillion
What semester are you in currently?
I’m currently in my 4th semester at Cypress College.
When do you plan to Graduate?
I plan to graduate in Spring 2022.
What area of study has been your favorite so far and why?
My favorite area of study has been Thanatology, the study of death and dying. I find the psychology of the grieving process, as well as the similarities and differences between cultures fascinating. Grief is universal, in that we all experience it, yet it is also diverse and unique to each individual. Every person has their own journey through life, as well as views regarding death. I enjoyed learning about the various theories of grief, such as William Worden’s “Four Tasks of Mourning”, and Kubler-Ross’s “Stages of Grief” model. These theories breakdown and explain grief and mourning into a framework from which we can better understand and cope with the aftermath of losing a loved one.
What are you looking forward to most in the next year?
In the next year I am looking forward to working full-time at a funeral home where I can learn as much as possible and lay a solid foundation toward becoming an asset to my employer as a funeral director and apprentice embalmer. I am eager to begin working with families toward providing a service that will honor their wishes and expectations.
If you are currently in the industry or completing your student practicums at a funeral home, which funeral home are you working with?
I worked at Greenlawn Funeral Homes in Bakersfield, CA prior to starting the Mortuary Science program at Cypress College. Additionally, I completed my student practicums with Mr. Bart Torres at Melrose Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary in Anaheim, CA.
What are some of your goals once you graduate?
Upon graduation I hope to take and pass the NBE’s and then secure an embalming apprenticeship, as well as gain experience as a funeral director. My goal is to be able to work under a knowledgeable licensed embalmer, whom I may be able to learn the various facets of this field. I hope to become empowered with the skills necessary to provide the best service possible for my employer, as well as client families. My long-term goal is to gain enough expertise in the mortuary profession to become a mentor for others who are entering the field as I am today.
When you have free time from work and studies, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy spending time with my two children, ages 11 and 14. Together we have fun riding bikes through the park, attending fencing and lacrosse practice, riding horses, camping, and going to the beach.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our members?
I would like to sincerely thank the members of OCFDA for their consideration, support, and generosity. The relationships I have made since embarking on this dream of becoming a mortician, are invaluable and have enriched my life beyond measure. I am incredibly fortunate to be able to have met, and now call lifelong friends, the amazing people in this industry who have dedicated their lives to the service of others. I am truly honored and humbled to be a part of this wonderful group.
Lisa Kang
What semester are you in currently?
I am in my fourth semester.
When do you plan to Graduate?
I plan to graduate in Spring 2022.
What area of study has been your favorite so far and why?
Funeral Directing has been my favorite area of study so far. Coming from a culturally diverse background, it was fascinating to learn about various religious and cultural traditions. We have come a long way since Neanderthals dug holes to bury their dead, and I am excited to see how globalization and modern technology impact funeral rites.
What are you looking forward to most in the next year?
I am most looking forward to finding and starting an embalmer apprenticeship in the next year!
If you are currently in the industry or completing your student practicums at a funeral home, which funeral home are you working with?
I am currently working at Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks in Cypress.
What are some of your goals once you graduate?
After graduation, my goal is to become a dually licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. My long-term goal is to manage my own funeral home and cemetery.
When you have free time from work and studies, what do you enjoy doing?
When I have free time from work and studies, I enjoy traveling, camping, and attending musical events. I am currently trying to advance my photography and fishing skills.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our members?
I would like to express my gratitude to the members of the Orange County Funeral Directors Association for the scholarship and opportunities for networking. Ever since I started the Mortuary Science program, I attended all of the OCFDA events and learned so much from numerous experienced funeral industry professionals. I hope to become a resourceful member of the OCFDA like them.
Scholarship Winners 2020
We are pleased to introduce the students selected to receive an OCFDA scholarship in 2020. We are committed to helping mortuary science students succeed. We would like to thank our Scholarship Committee: Amy Nichols, Lesley Trejo, Kimberly Worl and Liz Roberts..
Alaina Webster
What semester are you in currently?
I am in my third semester at Cypress.
When do you plan to Graduate?
I plan to graduate in Spring 2021.
What area of study has been your favorite so far and why?
So far funeral service sciences has been my favorite area of study. Growing up I had an aversion to science and generally avoided it if I could but in the context of embalming and funeral service I have found that I actually really enjoy it. Learning about how different diseases affect post mortem conditions and how embalming chemicals work has been so interesting.
What are you looking forward to most in the next year?
In the next year I am most looking forward to graduating with my mortuary science degree and completing my embalming apprenticeship.
If you are currently in the industry or completing your student practicums at a funeral home, which funeral home are you working with?
I work at Hillside Memorial Park Mortuary in Los Angeles and Brown Colonial Mortuary in Santa Ana.
What are some of your goals once you graduate?
Upon graduation I hope to successfully pass my National Board Exams and California Embalmer’s License exam. Once dually licensed, I hope to gain a mortuary management position. I also have an interest in forensic work so I hope to have the opportunity to explore that field as well. My major long-term goal is to own my own mortuary.
When you have free time from work and studies, what do you enjoy doing?
When I have free time (rarely this semester!) I enjoy running outside, working out, going to the beach, and exploring different areas in California.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our members?
I love this profession and feel so lucky to be a part of it. I am so excited for what the future holds and I greatly appreciate the support I am receiving from OCFDA! I hope to meet and work with you all in the future..
Renee Ramirez
What semester are you in currently?
First Semester of Mortuary program
When do you plan to Graduate?
Spring 2022
What area of study has been your favorite so far and why?
Since this is my first semester in the program my favorite area of study comes from the Funeral Service Assistant program. The labs in that program were exciting and helpful as I learned how to operate a gurney and properly wrap a decedent.
What are you looking forward to most in the next year?
I am looking forward to the thanatology class! People handle grief differently and I can’t wait to know more about it.
What are some of your goals once you graduate?
My goals after graduating are to continue learning on the job. This profession changes as society does and I’m looking forward to seeing what changes once I am working.
When you have free time from work and studies, what do you enjoy doing?
In my free time I enjoy playing “Magic! The Gathering”. It is a 2-4 player war-style card game of strategy that uses spells, creatures, and enchantments with the objective being the last person standing.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our members?
I want to take some time to express my gratitude. If it was not for the OCFDA and the members associated with the group many of my school expenses would not have been met. You all paid for my required textbooks and I am so thankful. I cannot wait for when I can start contributing to future students!
Lauren Fetter
What semester are you in currently?
I am in my third semester of the mortuary science program.
When do you plan to Graduate?
I will be graduating from Cypress College in Spring of 2021.
What area of study has been your favorite so far and why?
I really enjoy the science aspect of the program as pathology has always been very interesting to me. Also, learning about the different religious funeral rites has been very fascinating, and the knowledge has been useful at my current position.
What are you looking forward to most in the next year?
Next year is going to be a very exciting year for me, I will be graduating the mortuary program, turning thirty years old, and getting married!
If you are currently in the industry or completing your student practicums at a funeral home, which funeral home are you working with?
I am currently a service director at Fairhaven Memorial Park and Mortuary in Santa Ana, I love working with the families and ensuring their needs are met beyond expectations.
What are some of your goals once you graduate?
After graduation I am hoping to grow in the industry by becoming either an apprentice embalmer or an arranger. Although I am not limiting myself to one career path, because there are many aspects of the funeral industry I would like to experience.
When you have free time from work and studies, what do you enjoy doing?
Prior to the pandemic, I was a member of the Orange County Curling Club and on the ice every Saturday night competing. During my free time I enjoy watching horror movies with my fiancé, and enjoying the fresh air outside.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our members?
I want to extend my appreciation and thanks for OCFDA and its members! Since starting this journey back in January, I have realized that the funeral industry is a very tight-knit community and networking is extremely important. I look forward to meeting and learning from those around me.
Katrina Patapoff
What semester are you in currently?
First semester
When do you plan to Graduate?
Spring 2022
What area of study has been your favorite so far and why?
So far in my first semester my favorite area of study has been the history of the funeral service. It has been fascinating to see where we came from and how the service and techniques have evolved. If there was such a thing as a minor in Victorian funeral service, I’d be in! I would love to take a deep dive into that time period.
What are you looking forward to most in the next year?
I am really looking forward to Thanatology and getting well versed in the psychology of death and loss. I also really look forward to having class in person when the pandemic slows down.
If you are currently in the industry or completing your student practicums at a funeral home, which funeral home are you working with?
I will be beginning my practicums next semester and am currently looking for a funeral home to work with.
What are some of your goals once you graduate?
Being a first semester student, graduation feels very far away! First and foremost is to pass my national board exam. After that I know that I would like to get an embalming apprenticeship as soon as I can and focus on honing in on that skill for the 2 years that it takes to complete.
When you have free time from work and studies, what do you enjoy doing?
In non-pandemic times I love to go to concerts, travel and visit museums. For now I try to get outside and hike, exercise (especially powerlifting) and cook up a storm at home. I also really treasure when I get to chill out with my cat, dog and boyfriend.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our members?
I would like to extend a huge thank you to the Orange County Funeral Directors Association scholarship board for choosing me for this award. Getting into the mortuary science program and getting this scholarship has been a big bright spot in this tough year. I am excited to continue to build a relationship with the association and your support is so appreciated.
Scholarship Winners 2019
We are pleased to introduce the students selected to receive an OCFDA scholarship in 2019. We are committed to helping mortuary science students succeed. We would like to thank our Scholarship Committee: Angela Nishida, Charlie Thorson, John Raggett, Lesley Trejo, Kimberly Worl and Lori Collins.
Amanda Yekel
2nd Semester, Gradation Date May 2020
What area of study has been your favorite so far and why?
At this point of my Funeral Service education, my favorite field of study has been Funeral Services and Ceremonies. Being well rounded and knowledgeable in religious funeral traditions is important in order to be a successful funeral practitioner. With the industry growing and changing rapidly, it is our responsibility to be aware of traditional services as well as understand how to accommodate progressive and secular services.
What are you looking forward to most in the next year?
In the next year of my education and career, I look most forward to making scholarly and professional connections with people and organizations I will be involved with for the rest of my life. This is the very beginning of my journey and I am excited for all that is to come.
If you are currently in the industry or completing your student practicums at a funeral home, which funeral home are you working with?
I am currently employed by Stricklin-Snively Mortuary in Long Beach, California. I am one of only two licensed crematory operators at this facility where we excel at witness cremation services for the local Cambodian community.
When you have free time from work and studies, what do you enjoy doing?
When I am not studying funeral service or working, I love to spend time outside, hiking, camping, reading and appreciating the opportunity to be in such a beautiful state. I arrived here from New Jersey about three years ago and every day I see something new here.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our members?
I want to thank the members of the Orange County Funeral Directors Association for offering the new generation of funeral practitioners this award and their support. Our industry is vital and cohesion is necessary. I look forward to serving the industry and many, many families in the future.
Samantha Jelletich
2nd Semester, Graduation Date May 2020
What area of study has been your favorite so far and why?
My favorite area of studies at the Cypress Mortuary program is chemical concepts relating to the preparations, presentation, and sanitation of human remains; also, religious and ceremonial studies. Outside of school, I enjoy the continuous learning about the dynamics and adaptions of funeral personnel.
What are you looking forward to most in the next year?
I am looking forward to connecting and experiencing more of the funeral industry. The variety of challenges, situations, interactions, and personalities is refreshing and exciting.
If you are currently in the industry or completing your student practicums at a funeral home, which funeral home are you working with?
I am completing my independent study credits at Melrose Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary. The staff made my first clinical journey overwhelmingly educational, positive, supportive, and helpful. I could not be more appreciative for their acceptance and unlimited patience.
When you have free time from work and studies, what do you enjoy doing?
If I had free time from work and studies, I would enjoy sleep.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our members?
I want to share my gratitude to the members of the Orange County Funeral Directors Association. I am very fortunate and grateful to be receiving this grant; also look forward to all I have to learn from this fantastic community of people.
Andriana Tristan
2nd Semester, Graduation Date May 2020
What area of study has been your favorite so far and why?
Science and biology have always been an area of interest to me, so I thoroughly enjoyed our Funeral Chemistry and Pathology course last fall, which gave a detailed look into the anatomy of funeral service from the science perspective.
What are you looking forward to most in the next year?
Over the summer, we will be taking a Thanatology course, which I am very excited about, but I am mostly looking forward to beginning our embalming lab. I am also looking forward to beginning my career in the funeral industry.
If you are currently in the industry or completing your student practicums at a funeral home, which funeral home are you working with?
I am currently completing my Spring and Summer semester practicum with White's Funeral Home in Bellflower.
When you have free time from work and studies, what do you enjoy doing?
I have always been an avid bookworm of both fiction and non-fiction, and although I usually end up back at something mortuary science related, I still try to find time to sit down with a book when I have a moment to myself. I also make time to go running; I have a goal by the end of the year to participate in a half marathon.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our members?
I would love to extend a genuine thanks to the Association for the opportunity to sit down and discuss my passion for funeral service, and explain how fortunate I am for the support they are offering in my studies. I have been incredibly blessed this past year to begin my journey at Cypress and to meet the funeral directors at White's, as it has been wonderful to surround myself with others who share my passion after a long journey leading up to this point. Many thanks!