Warren grad lands scholarship

DOWNEY - Brianne Schaer, a Downey resident and former intern for the Downey Patriot, was among nine California students selected to receive a Verizon Foundation Scholarship for the 09-10 academic year.Verizon's scholarship program is open to the children and dependents of its employees. An incoming freshman at Cal State Long Beach, Schaer will receive $5,000 to use toward college expenses next year. The award is renewable for three years, making the total value of the scholarship worth $20,000. Verizon's scholarship program selects recipients based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities and financial need. Recipients must be high school seniors who plan to attend an accredited four-year institution. "I was very excited to be chosen for the scholarship. It means a lot to me to be recognized and rewarded for all the effort I put forth during high school," said Schaer, who graduated from Warren High School in June. "This scholarship will definitely help me pay for a majority of my expenses at Cal State Long Beach. It will be nice to not have to worry about whether or not I can afford college." Schaer is the daughter of Brenda Lively, also of Downey, a 13-year employee for Verizon who works as a directory assistance (411) operator in Long Beach. She, too, was excited when she found out about the award. "I was very happy and proud, as I always am with Brianne," Lively said. "The scholarship will be a welcomed big help in paying for Brianne's college education." Even before the academic year has begun, Schaer is already active on campus. She is working on the campus' student newspaper, Summer 49er, serving as an assistant news editor for the once-a-week publication. "I applied (to work on) the newspaper a few months ago after perusing the Daily 49er at Cal State Long Beach's open house," said Schaer, a journalism major. "Writing is something that I have always been passionate about, and I didn't want to miss an opportunity to get started in college as soon as possible." At the Downey Patriot, Schaer was a regular contributor to Student Life, a twice-monthly page written entirely by Downey students that publishes during the school year.

********** Published: July 24, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 14