Karlaisela Trujillo was announced as the recipient of the Russell A. Willis Youth of the Year Scholarship on Thursday, May 24, 2018. She was awarded the scholarship at Portage High School by Shannon Burhans, President & CEO of the Portage Township YMCA.
Applications were accepted from March through April 2018. Candidates for this award must live within the service area of the Portage Township YMCA, be an active member, volunteer or program participant at the Y, display the Y’s 5 core values: caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, & faith, have active community involvement with diversity appreciation, and demonstrate academic success. "This was a tough decision for the scholarship committee, I truly appreciate their time and effort,” said Burhans. "All of the applicants were eligible, meeting all of the requirements for candidacy, but they could only choose one.”
Trujillo was chosen for her exemplary achievements across several areas of focus. “Her humble beginnings as the eldest of eight as well as being a first-generation student & citizen in the United States has enabled her to appreciate accomplishments of all sizes,” said Cassie Cayetano, Associate Branch Director. “Trujillo has a long history of high academic achievement, substantial participation in clubs & groups, as well as the drive to continue in a humanitarian career as a family physician. While the decision was a tough-one, myself and the scholarship committee are certain Trujillo was the right choice.”
The Youth of the Year Scholarship was started by the Portage Y's founder and first board president, Russell A. Willis. The award is granted yearly to an outstanding person displaying several leadership qualities. This award is a $1,000 scholarship payable upon the student’s graduation from high school and acceptance to and enrollment in a two or four-year degree program, a vocational training program and/or other continuing education or training program approved by the Portage Township YMCA. The award is paid directly to the educational or training institution on behalf of the winner.
Carla is the daughter of Juan and Celia Trujillo, of Portage.