Local nonprofit surprises Newport-Mesa high school seniors with laptops and gift cards for college

Thirty-two Newport-Mesa Unified School District high school seniors got a surprise Friday when they were presented with tools for success in college by a Costa Mesa-based nonprofit.

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For the Record, 11 a.m. May 26: The original version of this article stated incorrectly that six of the 32 students were from Newport-Mesa. In fact, all 32 were.

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Share Our Selves handed out laptops, $50 Amazon gift cards for textbooks and $40 gift cards to Grocery Outlet during a ceremony at the SOS Community Health Center.

Seniors attending a community college also received a backpack with school supplies, while students who plan to live on campus got luggage with dorm room supplies such as towels, sheets, hangers and hygiene kits.

In addition, students received a sweater from their university or college.

The 32 recipients are:

Newport Harbor High School: Jamary Calderon, Sergio Castaneda, Natalee Ceron, Yoan Gadzhev, Jennifer Gonzalez, Raul Guerrero, Itzel Hernandez, Sophia Martinez, Elizabeth Torres and Kenia Uribe

Costa Mesa High School: Kate Chavez, Adrian Delgado-Garcia, Ileana Hernandez, Crystal Henriquez, Brittany Ka, Anise Potjes, Lizandra Ruiz, Xally Varela, Jessica Vazquez, Tatiana Vazquez and Kathy Villa

Estancia High School: Nathalie Acevedo, Valeria Cruz Anaya, Salma Diaz Lopez, Pablo Guerrero de Anda, Kimberly Hernandez, Alyssa Morales, Alexander Moya, Bryan Nava, Sharon Ozuna Crispin, Fatima Santiago and Adriana Vazquez Morales

For eligibility, a school administrator recommended students based on their “determination to overcome difficult circumstances to succeed.” Students submitted an application, a personal statement explaining why they should be considered for the project and confirmation of attendance at a college or university in the fall.

In preparation for Friday, the nonprofit sent the 32 seniors to the Working Wardrobes Career Center, an Irvine-based nonprofit, to choose professional attire for the event and for future job interviews and formal occasions.

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