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Scholarships given by the Minerva Club had their beginnings in 1917 when the entire senior class of Santa Maria High School was entertained at the home of Mrs. Goodwin. A few years later, the Minerva Club began the tradition of inviting all the Honor Students to a luncheon. In 1952, a scholarship fund was begun with the profits of their cookbook, Company's Coming. The first Minerva Club scholarship of $535.00 was presented to Marilyn May.

Over the years, the membership was able to increase the amount and number of scholarships given. The Scholarship Trust Fund was established in 1981. By 1983, about $45,000 had been awarded. In 1999, the Club received a bequest of $250,000 from the Maxine and Burns Rick estate for scholarships and shortly after, the Trust Fund was incorporated. The Minerva Club has awarded more than $435,135. in scholarships since the 1950s.

2026-2027 Scholarship Board

Board of Directors:

                         President: Lisa Wesner

                        Secretary: Karen Dally

                        Treasure: Karen Draper

 

Trustees:

Trustee 2nd Year:  Karen Draper

                   Trustee 2nd Year:  Leslie Mosson        

                   Trustee 1st Year:   Vonda Damore        

      Trustee 1st Year:  Shelley Klein      

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The 2025-2026 Minerva Club Scholarship Awards Ceremony 

was held on May 3, 2026 at the Minerva Clubhouse.

Brad Dandridge, SM Fire Chief, gave an inspirational speech to the recipients.

Students were recognized by their school counselors and awarded

a $1,300 scholarship from the Minerva Scholarship committee.

Congratulations recipients!

PHOTO OF RECIPIENTS FOR 2025-2026

Delta High School: 

Carlos Vicente  

Earnest Righetti High School:

Samantha Fernandez, Shani Peinado, Ansh Vinchhi

Orcutt Academy:

Eryka Gudmunds

Pioneer Valley High School:

Evelynda Herrera, Kainoa Ilac, Nayeli Venegas

St. Joseph's High School:

Isaiah Cabacungan

Santa Maria High School:

Araceli Lopez, Saul Navarrete, Anthony Vivar

Valley Christian Academy:

Kenneth Smith

Minerva Club Scholarship Trust Fund, Inc

Minerva Club

127 W. Boone St.

Santa Maria, CA 93458

P.O. Box 881

Santa Maria, CA 93456-0881

Rental Information

The Clubhouse is available to rent.

CLICK on Rental Information at top of page for details.

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