The Shops at Montebello Awards $12,000 in Scholarships

The Shops at Montebello, now managed by Southern California-based Pacific Retail Capital Partners, awarded $12,000 in college scholarships to twelve local high school seniors in recognition of their outstanding achievements. Recipients include Christopher Gomez Olivares, Irania Serrano Ochoa, Miguel Sanchez-Tortoledo, and Susana Rafaela from Bell Gardens High School; Amelia Richards, Geraldine Muro, Jewel Martinez, and Mario Montiel from Montebello High School; and Camille LaHaye, Kia Harlan, Malena Galatioto, and Sarah Sung from Schurr High School.
 
The Shops at Montebello’s Scholarship Awards recognize local seniors in their pursuit to continue their higher education and has awarded more than $60,000 to recipients in the previous five years. Supporting youth has been part of the center’s mission dating back to 1985 when the center opened. Programs like the scholarship program aim to assist local students in recognizing their educational goals and to provide initial monetary support to attain those goals. It is open to seniors at Montebello Unified School District High Schools including Applied Technology Center (ATC) High School, Bell Gardens High School, Montebello High School, and Schurr High School.

“The Shops at Montebello’s commitment to this community is most evident through this longstanding scholarship program,” says Marina Satoafaiga, Marketing and Business Development Manager at The Shops at Montebello. “Arming our youth with the tools and resources needed to become contributing members of society is one of the best investments for any community.  Further, involving our youth to help shape tomorrow’s retail experience is crucial.”

Candidates applying for the scholarship program were evaluated on criteria including a combination of outstanding academic accomplishments, participation in school activities and clubs and community volunteer work. They also needed to have a financial need, demonstrate a commitment to continuing their education and detail how The Shops at Montebello plays a role in their community. Candidates were asked to explain three elements they would like to see at the shopping center (i.e. programs, potential tenants, etc.) in the future.

“I am honored to be a recipient of the Shops at Montebello Scholarship,” said Miguel Sanchez Tortoledo, a Schurr High School Senior. “I look forward to returning to my community after I receive my undergraduate degree, and help those in need of immigration services.”
  
About The Shops at Montebello
The Shops at Montebello is a modern indoor super-regional shopping center featuring four department stores and more than 140 shops, eateries, and restaurants—remaining the leader for shopping in East Los Angeles. Located on San Gabriel Blvd at the Pomona Freeway (60) and bordered by Montebello Blvd and Town Center Drive, the two-story center is anchored by Macy’s, JCPenney, Macy's Home and Forever 21. Brand highlights include H&M, COACH, Old Navy, Victoria’s Secret, Olive Garden, Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, and BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse. A spacious Patio Cafes (food court), family lounge, community center, charging lounges, and a lively calendar of events is rooted in community, culture, and commerce. The Shops at Montebello is operated by Pacific Retail Capital Partners. For more information, visit shopsatmontebello.com or follow us on social media at:
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