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JOSE RIZAL SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

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José Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda

June 19, 1861 - December 30,1896

 

José Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda was a Filipino nationalist during the tail end of the Spanish colonial period of the Philippines. He is tagged as the national hero (pambansang bayani) of the Filipino people. 

 

Rizal was skilled in both science and the arts. He painted, sketched, and made sculptures and woodcarving. He was a prolific poet, essayist, and novelist whose most famous works were his two novels, Noli Me Tángere and its sequel, El filibusterismo. These social commentaries during the Spanish colonization of the country formed the nucleus of literature that inspired peaceful reformists and armed revolutionaries alike. Rizal was also a polyglot, conversant in twenty-two languages.

HOW JRSAA STARTED

 

Fil-Am’s greatest pride is the formation of the scholarship program. The
association's value education, was the motivation behind the creation of this
program.

 

The Jose Rizal Scholastic Achievement Award was founded in 1990 under President Rhod Resella's leadership.  The program recognizes senior high school students who achieved academic excellence, displayed leadership, and have engaged in civic and humanitarian projects.

 

The deserving students are awarded by plaques of recognition and cash grants. The first place winner’s name is also be added on to our JRSAA Perpetual Plaque. But more than these awards, the students take pride in being recognized for their achievements and being in the roster of esteemed Fil-Am scholars. 

 

To date, we have recognized over 100 deserving scholars.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Rizal's multifacetedness was described by his German friend, Dr. Adolf Bernhard Meyer, as "stupendous." Documented studies show him to be a polymath with the ability to master various skills and subjects.  He was an ophthalmologist, sculptor, painter, educator, farmer, historian, playwright and journalist. Aside from poetry and creative writing, he also dabbled with varying degrees of expertise in architecture, cartography, economics, ethnology, anthropology, sociology, dramatics, martial arts, fencing and pistol shooting. He was also a Freemason, joining Acacia Lodge No. 9 during his time in Spain and becoming a Master Mason in 1884.

 

Rizal was a writer and a key member of the Filipino Propaganda Movement, which advocated political reforms for the colony under Spain.

He was executed by the Spanish colonial government for the crime of rebellion after the Philippine Revolution, inspired in part by his writings, broke out. Though he was not actively involved in its planning 

or conduct, he ultimately approved of its goals which eventually led to Philippine independence.

 

His undated poem Mi Último Adiós, believed to have been written a few days before his execution, was hidden in an alcohol stove, which was later handed to his family with his few remaining possessions, including the final letters and his last bequests.

 

He is considered one of the greatest heroes of the Philippines and has been recommended to be so honored by an officially empaneled National Heroes Committee.

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The Jose Rizal Scholasrhip Achievement Award was formally established in 1990 during Rhodamin Resella's presidency.

The Search is On for the

2025 Fil-Am JRSAA Awards!

The Fil-Am Association of SCV, Inc. (Fil-Am) is announcing its annual search for candidates for the Jose Rizal Scholastic Achievement Award (JRSAA). This educational achievement award is open to students graduating from high school, who qualify under the following criteria:

  1. Must be of Filipino descent whose parent(s) reside(s) or is/are employed in the Santa Clarita Valley area.

  2. Must be a graduating senior in a local high school in the Santa Clarita Valley, or an equivalency, and will be enrolling in college.

  3. Must have earned a minimum GPA of 3.80.

  4. Must be involved in extracurricular activities in school, community, and/or Fil-Am Association’s projects or events.

Should the applicant meet the above criteria, the following documents are required for submission:

 

  1. ​A completed online application form.

  2. An official sealed copy of the high school transcript of records to be mailed by the school directly to the Scholarship Committee, Fil-Am Association of SCV, P.O. Box 801753, Valencia CA 91380.

  3. A letter of recommendation from a school official.

  4. A 400- to 500-word essay on the topic specified on the online application form.

In addition to individual Plaques of Recognition, the following awards will be given to three outstanding candidates:

First Place        $1,000.00
Second Place  $   500.00
Third Place      $   300.00

Click on this link to apply and register.

 

Deadline for application is Friday, May 16, 2025.

For inquiries, please send an email to Verna Argüelles at filamscv.jrsaa@gmail.com.

CONGRATULATIONS
2024 JRSAA RECIPIENTS
By Verna Arguelles - 2024 Scholarship Chairperson

Congratulations to all the 2024 Jose Rizal Scholastic Achievement Awardees.

This year was another extraordinary year!  Our awardees far surpassed the standard qualification in becoming one of Fil-Am JRSAA recipientS.  Each one of them have exceeded the required GPA, they all have served the community and have unbelievable artistic talent. 

We are extremely proud of this year's awardees.  These students have exhibited academic excellence and have a very bright future ahead.  Congratulations to all!

Congratulations to all our JRSAA Recipients 

We are very proud of YOU!

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Who's next?

1ST PLACE, 2026

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2nd Place - 

3rd Place  - 

Honorary Recipients

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NALIYA MONTEBON

1ST PLACE, 2023

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2nd Place - Stella Vianzon

3rd Place  - Jonah Pasco

Honorary Recipients

                  - Ethan Capalad

                 - Audrey Dornidon

                - Tyler Molina

                  

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ASHLEY KUA

1ST PLACE, 2020

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2nd Place -Jeremy BischofF
3rd Place  - Noah Rop

Honorary Recipients

                  - Allyson Asis

                  - Christian Gutierrez

                  - Julianna Lozada

                  - Mindy Mello

                  - Keri McWilliams

                  - Danielle Nalangan

                  - Katelynn Zara

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DAVID RAMOS

1ST PLACE, 2017

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2nd Place - Sydeny Wexler
3rd Place  - Taylor Oshiro

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PAOLO ARGUELLES

1ST PLACE, 2014

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2nd Place - Alyssa Pabalan
3rd Place  - Stephanie Gimenez

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DAVID TROY JR.

1ST PLACE, 2011

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2nd Place - Jennifer Owen
3rd Place  - Marjorie Carlos
4th Place  - Miky Tayoba

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GLEN OLILA

1ST PLACE, 2008

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NOLAN CARREON

1ST PLACE, 2004

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2nd Place - Marites Narciso

2nd Place - Ashlee Flores
3rd Place  - Alexis Salas-Andres
4th Place  - Scott Sia

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STEPHANIE UNSON

1ST PLACE, 2000

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2nd Place - Daphne Lim
3rd Place  - Keith Reyes

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KATHERINE ORO

1ST PLACE, 1997

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2nd Place - Mae Pascua
3rd Place  - Sharon Magpantay

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CHERYL LECHUGA

1ST PLACE, 1993

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2nd Place - Rina Imperial
3rd Place  - Trish Lim

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JULIE MAE OBNIAL

1ST PLACE, 1990

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2nd Place - Joseph Gatdula
3rd Place  - John Obsenares
4th Place  - Ellen Dalagin

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Who's Next?

1ST PLACE, 2025

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2nd Place - 

3rd Place  - 

Honorary Recipients

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SHANICE CONSON

1ST PLACE, 2022

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2nd Place - 

3rd Place  - 

Honorary Recipients

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JIELENA BRAGASIN

1ST PLACE, 2019

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2nd Place - 

3rd Place  - 

Honorary Recipients

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JOSEPH ESPIRITU

1ST PLACE, 2016

2016 Joseph Espiritu

2nd Place - 

3rd Place  - 

Honorary Recipients

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MATHEW SAN JOSE

1ST PLACE, 2013

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2nd Place - 

3rd Place  - 

Honorary Recipients

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MYLA TAYOBA

1ST PLACE, 2010

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2nd Place - 

3rd Place  - 

Honorary Recipients

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ANGELA GATDULA

1ST PLACE, 2007

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2nd Place - 

3rd Place  - 

Honorary Recipients

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DAVID SCHEIN

1ST PLACE, 2002

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2nd Place - 

3rd Place  - 

Honorary Recipients

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SHERYLLENE GO

1ST PLACE, 1999

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2nd Place - 

3rd Place  - 

Honorary Recipients

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YASMINE GOMEZ

1ST PLACE, 1996

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2nd Place - 

3rd Place  - 

Honorary Recipients

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GARY GATDULA

1ST PLACE, 1992

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2nd Place - 

3rd Place  - 

Honorary Recipients

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RINA IMPERIAL

1ST PLACE, 1989

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2nd Place - 

3rd Place  - 

Honorary Recipients

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YRA CLIMACO

1ST PLACE, 2024

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2nd Place - Saira Castor

3rd Place  - Isa Magee

JOELLEN BRAGASIN

1ST PLACE, 2021

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2nd Place - Tristan Manalang

3rd Place  - Kyle Dizon

Honorary Recipients

                  - Julia Camia

MIA SIMGEN

1ST PLACE, 2018

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2nd Place - Hannah Ilagan

3rd Place  - Nathaniel Medina

4th Place  - Jose Marie Aquino

TRISHA MAGPANTAY

1ST PLACE, 2015

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2nd Place - Mareiah Alfonso
3rd Place  - Angelica Alberto
Honorary Recipients

                 - Eugene Paul Mesina
                 - Marissa Magsarili
                 - Jayden Pasco
                 - Patrick Saulo
                 - Hayden Matheus
                 - Samantha Gebers
                 - Mizhael Dones
                 - Daniel Lee

ERIC JAMES OLILA

1ST PLACE, 2012

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2nd Place - Megan Sarte
3rd Place  - Nicole Sanchez
4th Place  - Justin David

 

MARC ABUEL

1ST PLACE, 2009

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2nd Place - Leah Angelica Carrillo
3rd Place  - Lorenzo Rances
4th Place  - Christine Soriano

MIKO TAYOBA

1ST PLACE, 2005

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2nd Place - Jeremy Schein
3rd Place  - Marc Miranda

REGINALD PANALIGAN

1ST PLACE, 2001

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2nd Place - Angela Guiao
3rd Place  - Russell Taylor

NERISSA OXCIAN-YUHICO

1ST PLACE, 1998

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nerissa oxciano

2nd Place - Njambi Purdy

3rd Place  - Jereme Suarez

ROSEMARY ESPEJO-VALENCIA

1ST PLACE, 1994

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2nd Place - Meryl Pascua
3rd Place  - Jamie Yraola

MARIA CORAZON VILLARIN

1ST PLACE, 1991

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2nd Place - Paul Impreiral

3rd Place  - Vivian Ruth Torredes
 

MARIA ESPEJO-VASSILAKIS

1ST PLACE, 1988

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1988 Maria Espejo

2nd Place - Mario Verdadero
3rd Place  - Myra Jimenez

 

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Scholarship Awardees

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