A 2009 South Salem High School graduate is the recipient of the second annual Guido Caldarazzo Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship honors the memory of Guido Caldarazzo, a long-time teacher, coach, administrator and community advocate.

Julieta Cordova graduated June 4 and will attend Willamette University this fall, studying law. She received $1,000 to continue her education. The scholarship was announced at the South Salem High School Senior Awards Assembly.

In recommending Cordova for the award, teacher Gina Wiltbank said she is an ideal candidate due to her "academic capacity and her personal qualities" that shine through in a life of adversity and struggle.

Cordova was raised in a supportive, Spanish-speaking family with little knowledge of the English language. She remembers coming home from school with questions on homework and no one to help her. Despite these challenges, Cordova rose to the occasion, learned English and became a student who excelled in everything she put effort into.

Facing such challenges, Cordova said she assured herself she "would help her younger siblings and anybody else as much as possible, in order to prevent them from suffering and struggling as she did."

She not only followed through with her promise of service, she went above and beyond in both the classroom and community. Academically, Cordova made the honor roll throughout high school and was a member of the National Honor Society and the Societe honoraire francaise.

Her leadership and service was appreciated at South Salem's English Language Learner program where she tutored fellow classmates. Cordova also spent time volunteering at Grant Elementary. Outside of the classroom, she has been a camp counselor at the 4-H International Summer Camp.

Cordova has been recognized for much of her community involvement, earning awards including the "Outstanding Community Service" award and the "Skills USA" award. She was also asked to represent her peers as an ambassador at a "No Child Left Behind" Conference.

The Guido Caldarazzo Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a young man or woman who has contributed to the positive culture of their school and community in many small ways. It is a scholarship to recognize someone who has overcome adversity, perhaps in some unconventional way, and who may otherwise go unrecognized. It is a scholarship to assist in the next chapter of a deserving students' life.

Like many people, Guido was determined to make the world a better place. Unlike some, he succeeded. His life was dedicated to children, families, education, and public service. This scholarship is financed by all those who loved, supported, and benefited from his energy and patience.

Contributions from the community will sustain the Guido Caldarazzo Memorial Scholarship. The 2010 application will be available on the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation website.