BALDWIN PARK – Veronica Sanchez never let a challenge discourage her. As a sophomore at Baldwin Park High School, Sanchez always pushed herself to succeed, taking rigorous Advanced Placement and college prep courses, as a flautist in the Baldwin Park Braves Entertainment Corps, and serving her community as a member of the National Honors Society and the BPHS Leo Club.

In March 2020, Sanchez died unexpectedly, devastating family members and friends who remembered a sweet-natured and compassionate young woman with an optimistic outlook and smile that lit up a room.

To honor Sanchez’s memory and achievements, the Leo Club created the Veronica Sanchez Memorial Scholarship and organized an online fundraiser, with a goal of raising $2,500 to support seniors continuing their post-secondary education at a four-year university, community college or trade school.

“Veronica Sanchez touched the hearts of so many, especially within the Leo Club,” Baldwin Park High teacher and Leo Club adviser Victor Maldonado said. “Her dream was to go to Harvard, so the Leo Club established a scholarship in her name to inspire and assist students who display academic excellence, leadership skills, and a commitment to service.”

Recipients of the Veronica Sanchez Memorial Scholarship will receive $500 to help cover textbook purchases or other costs associated with attending college. The fundraising goal of $2,500 would provide five years of scholarships. The fundraising period ends on April 9.

The inaugural Veronica Sanchez Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a Baldwin Park High Class of 2021 graduate. The Leo Club has worked with the District to create a scholarship board consisting of students, faculty, administrators and family members to oversee the application process and determine the scholarship winner.

Baldwin Park High’s Leo Club was created in 2020 by students as a community service and social service club dedicated to providing high-quality career-oriented activities, community service events, and leadership opportunities to prepare its members through its three principles: leadership, experience and opportunity.

Leo Club members focus on student well-being, organizing weekend mental wellness workshops with healthcare providers such as Kaiser Permanente, and boosting the spirits of struggling students by sending them personalized postcards inscribed with inspirational messages.

Leo Club members are also active in the Baldwin Park community, creating Happy Cards for senior citizens and Clay Hearts for hospice patients.

“It is heartwarming to see our students work together to honor the life and memory of Veronica Sanchez,” Superintendent Dr. Froilan N. Mendoza said. “Though Veronica’s life ended too soon, her legacy will endure through a scholarship that will enable other Baldwin Park High School students to achieve their dream of pursuing higher education.”

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BPHS_Leo Club_Sanchez: Baldwin Park High School’s Leo Club has created the Veronica Sanchez Memorial Scholarship and organized an online fundraiser, with a goal of raising $2,500 to support seniors continuing their post-secondary education at a four-year university, community college or trade school.