Five FUHS seniors receive additional assistance from Barbara Ajello Memorial Fund

FALLBROOK – Five graduating seniors from the AAUW AVID program at Fallbrook Union High School received additional scholarship awards from the Barbara Ajello Memorial Fund on July 15, at the home of Kathy and Chet Bierbrauer with cake and ice cream refreshments. The cake said, “Congratulations and Thank You Barbara Ajello.”

Ajello had served as AAUW AVID director for two years. She was well-loved by her fellow mentors as well as by the AVID students who knew her. She co-mentored Karla Ruiz with Chris Assad the last two years of her illness before passing away May 4 from a brain tumor. Her memory was honored at the scholarship gathering.

AAUW, American Association of University Women, focuses primarily on assisting girls and women with attaining higher education. AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a special school program which assists students in succeeding with their studies. One hundred percent of AAUW AVID students attend college, even though they are the first person in their families to do so.

Barbara Ajello and her husband Joe have been strong supporters of AAUW and AVID. The students expressed their gratitude to them as well as to all who contributed to her memorial fund, for their generous support.