Venice High School  Alumni Scholarship Program

The Venice High School Scholarship Program stands as a lasting tribute to many generous people, organizations and businesses who have made supporting our students in their quest of higher education a priority.

 

Scholarship Fund Donations

 

Please select from the following Scholarships:

Rebecca L. Halbert Memorial Scholarship

Read About the Aves Scholarship

Coach George Rose Scholarship

Baseball Memorial Scholarship

Velma Ott Smith & Kathy Blackwood Memorial Scholarship
 
Grant Francis Scholarship
 
Paul E. Godfrey Memorial Scholarship
 
Korean War Vets Memorial Scholarship
 
Scott E. Antolick Memorial Scholarship
 
Joan Leib Memorial Scholarship
 
Lois (Larson) Peterson Memorial Scholarship
 
Laura Jeanne Gilbert Memorial Scholarship
 
Coach Bill Fairbanks Memorial Scholarship
 
G.O. Turney Memorial Scholarship
 
Michael Pomerantz Memorial Scholarship
 
Bill E. Paney Memorial Scholarship
 
Shirley Hall Memorial Scholarship
 
Leonard Gottlieb Memorial Scholarship


Joe Tachiki Scholarship


Barbara Komatsu
 
General Scholarship Fund


 Rebecca L. Halbert Memorial Scholarship

Rebecca Lixia Halbert left this life in 2021 following her junior year. Rebecca was a student in the VHS STEMM magnet and a member of the girls water polo and swim teams. She was blessed with a brilliant wit, and a wide range of talents and interests including astronomy, chess, computer games and programming, digital art, photography, and rock climbing. She was a natural engineer who designed and built many creations. Her dream was to become an astronautical engineer or an astronomer. Rebecca loved the outdoors and community service. She earned her Girl Scout Silver Award refurbishing the learning garden at Beethoven Street Elementary School, volunteered at the football taco stand, and earned the President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award five times. With her church youth group she enjoyed building houses in Mexico, singing around bonfires, and rich philosophical discussions. Rebecca endured many surgeries and treatments for her cleft lip and palate. Perhaps as a result, she was profoundly sensitive and compassionate, and cared deeply for inclusion and justice for the outsider and the vulnerable.
In all things, she pursued a passion for understanding her world and the nature of the universe.
Preference for this scholarship is for a senior pursuing a STEMM career who embodies Rebecca’s wide range of talents and compassion for their community.


Velma Ott Smith & Kathy Blackwood Memorial Scholarship

Kathy began teaching at Venice in 1963 and retired in 2000. Technically she taught until 2001 for LAUSD because she was invited to teach at UCLA during the academic year 2000-2001. She taught math and introduced Discrete Math to the curriculum during the 90’s. She had breaks in her career for child care and one year as Math Plus coordinator for the Los Angeles Educational Partnership. She was assistant athletic director for a short time during the 1980’s. The scholarship began with her mother's passing in 1996 when friends and family gave donations to the Alumni Association along with a generous donation from the Parthians of S'58. She had a preference for students interested in teaching math but didn't want it to be limited to math only because she wanted it to be based primarily on financial need. When she passed away, once again friends, family and the Parthians donated to the scholarship and it became the Velma Ott Smith/Kathy Blackwood Scholarship. In summary, she spent over thirty years at Venice High as a math teacher which had always been her dream. A Pine Tree is planted near her classroom that was in the East Building.


Grant Francis Scholarship

A teacher at VHS for 33 years, 1966 – 2001. Grant taught stage crew, wood shop, leadership and life skills. The fund was established Nov. 1991 as a surprise for his 50th birthday.

The scholarship guideline is for a student with at least 20 credits in the Performing Arts Department (stage crew, if available), enrolling in an entertainment/communication major at an accredited college. Secondary requirement, outstanding member of the Leadership Class, Industrial Arts, or Art department - specializing in video production.


 Paul E. Godfrey Memorial Scholarship

Established by Paul’s wife, Jane, and his family and friends in 2007. Paul graduated VHS 1940, he attended Santa Monica City College, enlisted in U.S. Marine Corps, served in the Pacific Theater during WWII. After WWII, he enrolled at University of Southern California and graduated with bachelor and master degrees. A gifted administrator and leader, he embarked on a career in education, as a Mathematics teacher and coach. He served in a number of administrative capacities in LAUSD, including as Principal of VHS for three years, 1970-1973. He retired in 1987. Paul died in 2006 and was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.


Korean War Vets Memorial Scholarship

Established by the class of 1951 in 1997. In April of 1996, Lynn Becker and some of his classmates from the graduating class of 1951 decided to raise funds and establish a scholarship to honor four of their classmates who were killed during the Korean War in 1950 and 1951. Classmates: David Allen (W’50), Tom Buchanan (S’50), Jerry Doty (S’50), and John Mattei (S’50) All joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve. They were deployed to active duty in 1950 and 1951 to fight for their country in the Korean War. By the summer of 1951, all four of these popular 1950 graduates had been killed in action. May they “Rest in Peace…”


Scott E. Antolick Memorial Scholarship

Established in 2006, by Scott’s parents, Penny and Art. Scott was born in 1986 with a congenital heart defect but never let that dampen his commitment to helping others. He was the American Heart Association’s youth ambassador and raised $14,000 in donations during the West Los Angeles Heart Walks in the final three years of his life. His charity didn’t stop there. Scott tutored children in English and Science, raised money for Camp del Corazon, a free camp for children with heart disease and with two friends, ran the nonprofit Komputers4Kids to provide donated computers to children leaving foster care for college. Shortly before he died, in 2003, Scott was given an Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award by the National Association of Fundraising Professionals, and he was awarded his Eagle Scout.

Scott Edward Antolick died on October 17, 2003, shortly after he turned 17 years old. Scott was a Senior at Venice High School and was a Valedictorian Candidate. Because of all his AP credits, he had enough credits to graduate with his class and was awarded his diploma posthumously in June, 2004.

On the day he died, Scott and his friends were playing Ultimate Frisbee after school on the front lawn of Venice High School. As he was running to catch a pass, he collapsed from a heart arrhythmia. He died shortly thereafter at the hospital. In Scott’s memory, the PTA of VHS planted an olive tree, donated by Beth Shir Shalom Temple, on the front lawn. (A Hong Kong orchid tree was planted in Scott’s memory on the campus of Mar Vista Elementary School).Scott Antolick –parents Art and Penny have set this up to continue into perpetuity.

This scholarship is for a VHS Senior with a financial need who wants to make a difference as shown by his/her drive to do well even through less than ideal circumstances and who has Scott’s spirit of giving and helping others.


Joan Leib Memorial Scholarship

 Joan taught AP English, ESL and Basic English for over 23 years at VHS 1969 – 1993. She retired and moved to Honolulu and continued substitute teaching till the age of 79. The scholarship direction is for a student that comes from an economically disadvantaged background interested in pursuing a higher education. Established in 2012, by the family, after her passing Oct. 30, 2011, from Lung Cancer.

Preference given to a student who is the first one in his immediate family that is attending college, but not mandatory.


Lois (Larson) Peterson Memorial Scholarship

 Lois was born in Nebraska and came to Venice High School in the 11th grade. She graduated W’37. She took shorthand and business classes at Venice and continued in college. She worked for the telephone company in Venice for many years. She and her husband retired in Paradise, CA. Lois passed in 1993. The fund started in 1994, with money from her estate. There is also a scholarship set up in her name at her school in Nebraska.

The scholarship direction is for a student who has completed the Business Education curriculum at VHS and will be pursuing higher education in a business-related program. In addition the recipient shall be of good moral character and have a financial need.


Laura Jeanne Gilbert Memorial Scholarship

Laura grew up in Mar Vista and graduated from Venice High in 1986. She danced, sang, painted, and wrote her way through childhood. During high school she immersed herself in photography as art, winning awards and also played in the marching band. At Cal Arts she added playwriting, acting and directing, as well as publishing her poetry, earning a BFA with a double major in art and theater. She continued her studies as a graduate student at UCLA in screenwriting. Continuing health problems from diabetes, which she contracted at six, prevented her from completing her degree. She died at age 28 from complications of diabetes in 1997. Established in 1998 by Doris Gilbert and family

The scholarship is for a college bound student active in the arts (photography, art, music, performing arts) or creative writing.


Coach Bill Fairbanks Memorial Scholarship

 Bill was a U.S. Marine and had a tour in Korea. After the Korean conflict ended he came back to MCRD as a Drill Instructor where he finished his tour. Bill graduated UCLA with a teaching credential and began teaching P.E. and Science. After three years a Palms Jr. High, he transferred to Venice High in 1966 were he stayed until retirement in 1995. At Venice, Bill met his wife Wendy, also a teacher, they were married for 40 years. Bill coached C Basketball, JV Baseball, B and Varsity Football as well as the Band. He taught U.S. History, U.S. Government and Health. It didn’t matter the subject or sport he taught, he did everything well and the students loved him.

Coach Fairbanks was one of the founding members for the Gondo Golf tournament. Raising over $10,000 for the high school as of 2014. In 2013 the golf event was named Coach Bill Fairbanks Gondo Golf Classic, in his honor.

Coach passed away April 2013.

The direction of the scholarship is for an athlete – possibly one who has overcome personal adversities.


G.O. Turney Memorial Scholarship

For a student (s) planning to pursue a career as a teacher.


Michael Pomerantz Memorial Scholarship

Michael taught Mathematics. He was the Department Chair 1949 – 1984. In recognition of his long tenure as a VHS teacher and his continuing support of both the school and Alumni Association., the VHSAA. Board of Directors established the Michael Pomerantz Scholarship.

The scholarship is for a student planning to pursue a career in education.


Bill E. Paney Memorial Scholarship

Taught Music – Crescendos, Jazz Band, Marching Band 1960-1977, retired to Hawaii.

For a student that has participated in the music program and who may wishing to continue in the field.


Shirley Hall Memorial Scholarship

Head Counselor and A.P. at VHS 1970 – 1988

Direction of scholarship – Business, Administration, Teaching.


Leonard Gottlieb Memorial Scholarship

Leonard Gottlieb was a lifetime supporter of Venice High School.   He was an active member of the Alumni Association serving as president and longtime Board member. Leonard graduated from Venice in 1941. In his senior year at Venice, he was editor of the school newspaper, “The Oarsman and wrote, directed, and produced the senior play.

Leonard lived in Mar Vista with his wife Liz and three children; Tom, Bob & Mary Lou, all of whom graduated from Venice. He was highly committed to civic activities including working as a LA City Council Deputy, helping with political campaigns, Venice Alumni Association and The National Kidney Foundation.

He was an active participant on the Alumni Board and instrumental in establishing their relationship with the California Community Foundation, the organization that safeguards and administers the Association’s $1.5 million scholarship program.


Joe Tachiki Memorial Scholarship

Joe had many dreams; he was a friend to everyone he knew, he helped others willingly, and he hoped to make this world a better place.
Through this fund, we can help other inspiring Venice High students achieve their dreams in his memory, for many years to come.

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Barbara Komatsu Memorial Scholarship

BARBARA KOMATSU taught AP Calculus and Math for 22 years. She was the sponsor of the Chatelaines and Esquires and helped to open the Foreign Language and International Studies Program, as well as the “Friends of Venice Magnet”.

This scholarship will be given yearly as a way to remember Barbara and help get our kids to college!


George Rose Scholarship

In thinking about what we could do to help students on their journey to a successful future, my husband, Jeff Moxie, and I (Lori Rose, VHS ’76) decided it would be appropriate to honor my father, George Rose, by sponsoring a scholarship to Venice High Seniors. George taught and coached at Venice High for 37 ½ years. In his 24 years of coaching boy’s gymnastics, he produced 25 High School All-Americans who won 15 League Championships, seven City Championships, one State Championship and one National Championship. In his two years as the girl’s gymnastics team coach, he led them to one League Championship. Coach Rose also led the “B” Football Team to 15 League Championships in his 24 years as a coach.

George also taught Health, Math and Biology during the summer and continued to do so after he left coaching.

George and his family lived in Mar Vista for many years. I was fortunate to attend Venice High from 1973 through 1976 and to be a member of the girl’s swim team. Like my Dad, I also went into the education profession and taught at the grade school level for 24 years. George’s sons also grew up in Mar Vista, with Dan (‘79) and Michael (‘94) both attending Walgrove Elementary, Mark Twain Junior High and then Venice High. Dan was on both the Varsity Baseball and Football Teams and Michael was on the Varsity Swim Team.

George was both a mentor and father figure to many of the athletes who walked through the small gym and the gate to the football field.

In honoring George, my father, with this scholarship in his name, our only request is the student chosen to receive this gift becomes a productive member of society in whatever field they choose.


Donate to The General Scholarship Fund

 Not all of the scholarships are Memorials, many are General Scholarships. Based on financial need, school and community involvement. Selected from their personal statement, essay and application.


Baseball Memorial Scholarship

Established in 2019 by former head baseball coaches Artie Harris, Tim Alcantar and Jeff Shimizu. The foundation of this scholarship is to honor former VHS Varsity Baseball student athletes who have passed away. This annual scholarship will be awarded to a senior baseball player planning to attend college who demonstrates strong citizenship and community service, minimum 2.4 GPA.

Venice High School has a strong tradition of a successful program with several City and Western League Championships. Various former players have gone on to play in college and professional baseball.


 Venice High School Projects

Click on any button to make online donation


Mail in your donation

Print this form and mail it along with your check (payable to "VHSAA" and note which scholarship you want to fund) to:

Venice High School - Scholarships
2435 Walgrove Ave.,
Los Angeles, CA 90066


Leave a Legacy
 
Make a gift bequest in your will or Family Living Trust for the benefit of VHSAA Scholarship Fund.


For more information about the VHSAAA Scholarship Program, including how to join the Committee, please contact Laura Ferre ('76) Email Laura. Read an interview with John that explains how the VHSAA Scholarship Fund is managed here.


 

 

 

 

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We’re loyal to you Venice High School, to thee we will always be true…