I will be studying at the University of California: Riverside where I hope to further my knowledge while studying Computer Science. I have always had a passion for computers so in whichever career I may end up choosing I hope to be able to continue to cultivate my understanding of computers while also satisfying my curiosity.

”To put things bluntly, I was shocked! Not only because I was selected but because of all the support that came with it. From my experience most organizations stop at awarding scholarships, but when the Aaron Barnett team offered their support and their willingness in helping us succeed, I was overwhelmed with both joy and excitement.” 

- EdgarVentura Melendrez

Instagram Username: edgarventura_mel
Linkedin Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/edgarventura-melendrez-47196b19a

”To be the recipient of this scholarship is a great honor. It is not only the money that is appreciated but also the stance to assist and the help pave the road to the future. And with the broad network that comes with it which is  the key to open many doors. It gives the recipients confidence to succeed. We are very proud parents of EdgarVentura Melendrez. There are not enough words to express our gratitude for honoring our son with son with such an award. We hope that he will hold to the standards of the Aaron Barnett Foundation.”

​-Graciela and Elias Melendrez

My name is Darren Alain Pagdonsolan Manalo. I am an alumni of Canyon Springs High School, and a current student in Cal Poly Pomona majoring in Computer Science. I aspire to enter the aerospace industry as a career, contributing what I can with a skill set I plan to expand in college.

What Darren says about the ABF Scholarship:

I felt honored when I was announced to obtain a scholarship from the foundation. It let me reflect on how much I have worked as a student, constantly striving in order to gain an edge in a competitive field. Obtaining the scholarship is a testament towards my dedication.

Both of my parents were very proud of me when I obtained the scholarship. They had always supported me in my endeavors. When it came to telling them about it, they said that they were impressed with my accomplishment, and encouraged me to continue in following my ambitions.

Passionate and curious, my plan is to study Cyber Security at Cal State San Bernardino after doing community college for 2 years at Riverside Community College with my career goals being becoming a penetration tester after gaining some experience in the field while simultaneously learning as much as I can about everything that I can until I retire.

What Efren says about the ABF Scholarship:

I cannot thank the Aaron Barnett Foundation enough for choosing me as a recipient of the Aaron Barnett Memorial Scholarship. I have such a burning passion for the cyber security field, it is amazing to be recognized for that and be given an opportunity to not only express that but pursue it as well. I intend on making full use of the money given to me to further my education in IT and Cyber Security. I will strive to “Try Harder”!

Dear Aaron Barnett Foundation,
We would like to express our sincerest gratitude for choosing our son Efren as Ambassador and
awarding him the ABF Scholarship. As parents, we will always encourage our kids in whatever interest they have, to pursue it to the fullest and support them in any way. We also can honestly see the passion each of you have dedicated in memory of Aaron Barnett’s legacy. Your foundation, programs and especially mentors have truly made a positive impact we see on our son Efren that has created an indescribable passion for the Cyber Security field for why we are truly grateful… the scholarship was just an added bonus and will truly help cover some of the costs in furthering his education! You have new lifelong supporters of the Aaron Barnett Foundation.

Sincerely,
The Zamaro Family (George, Brisa, Michael & Efren)

My name is Irene Gil I am 18 years old and I graduated from Valley View High school, I was first introduced to Computer Information my Freshman year. It took all of 2 months for me to make the decision to pursue a career in information technology.
I am now a student at Moreno Valley College, after I obtain my associates, I plan to obtain a bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems from Cal Poly Pomona. After I complete school, I will work towards becoming an Information security Architect.
(put the icon of social media and link it)
Social Media :
- Instagram: giliren3
- Twitter: gilirene21
- LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/irene-gil-154031190

What Irene says about the ABF Scholarship:

Receiving this scholarship from the Aaron Barnett foundation has been extremely exciting and I am so grateful to be able to represent this foundation. I have worked extremely hard to grow my knowledge and experience in cybersecurity throughout high school and I am extremely thankful to the board members for taking the time to review my application. The winnings will help me and my family greatly.

Proud Parents of Irne Gil:

We are the parents of Irene Gil, Paola and Rafael Gil. We would like to extend our gratitude to the Aaron Barnett Foundation, it has brought much excitement to both of us and our daughter and we know she will put forth her full dedication to this program, thank you for providing her with opportunity and the financial help.

My name is Dominic Alejandro Terrazas. I am attending Chaffey Community College for pursuit of my cyber security career. And with me attending college I plan to be able to earn my certification for Cyber Security Defender and Cyber Security Analyst. Meanwhile I am also working on my Associate in Science Degree. My goals are not a means to an end but more of a step that I am willing to work to achieve through finding out which path will be best going or a place to go after. Which is why I hope to figure out which job will be best suited for the skills I love doing.

Thank you so much for accepting me for the award. I just hope I will be able to help as much as I can. Epically since you all are helping me just by being there and doing what you do best. I hope this list of awards I have receive will help. I am trying to add as much as I can but it seems I really need to organize them a bit more but here is what I have that I know.

I have received awards from many kinds of; academic, organizational, and tournament. Kind of events varying from Performance, Leadership, Knowledge, Creativity, and Artistic views. I just want to do the best I can by doing what I love. Why not keep moving forward right?

• Cyber Awareness Certification - Completed the virtual challenge for year 2020
• Cyber Sash -  Two years of the Pathway
• Academy of Creative Technology Sash - Three years in the academy from sophomore to senior.
• Certificate of Academic Achievements - Academic Excellence, first semester, Fall, 2019-2020
• Certification of Recognition -  Awarded by the City Council of Moreno Valley for the accomplishment of reaching semi-finals and placed 1st in the California State Golden Division in Cyber Education Program at the  CyberPatriot National Youth, February 18, 2020
• Up-and-Coming Artist Award - An Aesthetic Revolutionary Certificate, Canyon Springs High School
• Certification of Recognition - Advancement to state in the skills USA Automotive Leadership Competition, Moreno Valley Unified School District. April 10, 2018
• Certification of Participation - Awarded by  Cayon Springs High school, for participating in the 2017-2018 Region 6 Leadership Conference and Skills, USA Championships.
• Certificate of Participation - Participated in Sigma Beta Xi. June 2, 2016
• Brotherhood Award - Sigma Beta Xi, Inc. Academy for Young Men awarded Dominic Terrazas, May, 29 2015
• Certificate of Recognition - Awarded in recognition of Qualifying for Semifinals of Moreno Valley Math League, February 24, 2015
• Certificate of Citizenship - Awarded this certificate for outstanding character at Vista Heights. January 2, 2015
• Honor Roll - Awarded this certificate for Honor Roll presented at Moreno Valley, CA this January 31, 2015
• Wisdom Award - Sigma Beta Xi, Inc. Academy for Young Men award Dominic Terrazas for successfully displaying wisdom. June 6, 2016
• Man of The Year 2015 - Sigma Beta XI, awarded Dominic Terrazas. May 29, 2015
• 2014 Over All Service Award - Sigma Beta Xi, Inc. Academy for Young Men,  for successfully displaying service. May 29, 2014
• Certificate of Participation - For participating in Sigma Beta Xi. May 29, 2014

Proud Parents of Dominic:

We are extremely proud of all our son's achievements since elementary school. Dominic would always be involved in school activities. Such as helping in the classroom anyway he can and building relationships with his peers. We are excited and will continue to guide and support him throughout his college years. Thank you so much for all your help and support. It takes a team to raise a child. We are blessed and honored our son was selected to join this strong-minded team!

My name is Crystal Garcia, I graduated from Canyon Springs High School with a 3.0 gpa. In high school, I was in ACT (Academy of Creative Technology) for 3 years. During my senior year I took Cyber Security 1 and CIS 1A & CIS 21 Duel Enrollment classes. I also joined the CyberPatriot team, where we made it to the Semi Finals and placed sixth in California State Gold Open Division. My future goals are to become a Computer Science Teacher and possibly coach a Cyber Team of my own. I'm planning to be a full time student and will be attending college in Fall 2020.

What Crystal says about ABF Scholarships 

It was very exciting when I received the email that I got the scholarship, I immediately told and texted my family even if it was in the middle of the night. When on the zoom meeting receiving the award it is great hearing all about the people behind the foundation.

My mother was thankful for it and mostly surprised that I actually got it.

Social Media links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-garcia-cshs