SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

2026 Student Scholarship Winners

Jorge Rodarte

Jorge is a first semester student who is looking forward to becoming a licensed embalmer and funeral director.
He is an advocate for the immigrant community and volunteers with the Council of Mexican Federations in North America at immigration clinics, health fairs and sport tournaments. Jorge enjoys taking road trips with his wife, Abigail and dog, Nieve.
Courtney Melander

Courtney is a second semester student who is also a licensed cosmetologist. She is looking forward to combining her creativity and unique skills in the funeral industry.
Courtney works at the Dignity Memorial Orange County Personal Care Center as a Transfer Specialist. She is a California native but lived in Escazú, Costa Rica from 2007-2016.
Mariyah Calderon

Mariyah is a second semester student who is looking forward to obtaining an apprenticeship and becoming a licensed embalmer.
Mariyah works at the Dignity Memorial Orange County Personal Care Center as a Transfer Specialist. She is an amateur Muy Thait Fighter, avid yogi and cat mom to her fur babies, Junji and Leroux.
Maggie Quezada

Maggie is a first semester student who recently completed her embalming apprenticeship. She looks forward to further developing her skills and plans to become dually licensed as an embalmer and funeral director.
Maggie enjoys spending time with her family, hiking with her boxer, Renata and is a member of the Sigma Phi Sigma Fraternity at Cypress College.