8 Seniors Receive $1,000 Scholarships from the La Canada Thursday Club

Kathy Leonard, Scholarship Chairperson of the La Canada Thursday Club, personally handed eight talented seniors from four different local high schools, $1,000 scholarships and certificates. Her committee included Thursday Club members Sheri Morton, Sharon Combs and Jean Chubb.

“It was hard to choose our winners, because all of the candidates were exceptional,” shared Leonard.

The following winners include:

Matt Singelyn

Attends St. Francis High School. He is an alumni scholarship recipient, National Honor Roll and Scholar Roll. Matt was the Team Manager for the St. Francis football team. He enjoyed being a team member for L.I.F.E and is excited to attend University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where he will major in Sports Management and eventually go to Law School. Matt was honored to have his grandparents present to see him receive his award. His grandfather, Bill Bolton, recently received a double lung transplant and is very proud of Matt's accomplishments.

Colleen Degnan

Colleen has enjoyed her AP and Honors classes at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy. She was a student leader in campus ministry and has led 10 small group retreats. She plays volleyball and ran cross-country her senior year. Colleen is looking forward to attending University of Wisconsin in Madison and studying Business.

Kara Lankey

Named the Rio Hondo League Player of the Year in Girl’s Varsity Soccer at La Canada High School, Kara earned her Girl Scout Silver and Bronze award and has been active with the La Canada Assistance League’s Assisteen program. She has maintained CSF and National Honor Society status and was a 2012 Les Fleurettes with the La Canada Thursday Club. Her mother Becky is a member and the club’s Treasurer. Kara will play soccer at Pacific University in Oregon and major in Business.

Sophia Eckerle

It's all in the family for Sophia: Her father won a Thursday Club scholarship when he was a high school senior. This La Canada High School senior has worked at Nordstrom’s two years and is a member of the BP Fashion program. She earned her Girl Scout Gold award and has enjoyed being a candy striper at Huntington Hospital. For the last six-years, Sophia has decorated the La Canada Tournament of Roses floats. She is passionate about languages and speaks Spanish, French and Russian. Sophia is staying in close to home while attending USC.

Liza Upton

As a member of Les Fleurettes, Liza also earned her Gold Scout award and volunteered at the Pasadena Humane Society where she wrote a $5,000 grant. Last summer, she enjoyed earning community service hours in Peru. Liza plays the flute and wrote a $7,000 grant for the LCHS Marching Band. Her mother Kim Upton is a Thursday Club member. Liza is eager to move to North Carolina to attend the University of North Carolina where she will major in Business.

Katherine Henry

As an active member of the La Canada Methodist Church, Katherine has participated in the 30-Hour Famine to raise awareness on world hunger. She took a trip to Bolivia with World Vision in 2010 to see how the famine funds went into action. Katherine is a member of the high school choir at La Canada High School, and earned her Girl Scout bronze and silver awards. She is a member of the National Honor Society and CSF. She will be attending Millsaps College in Jackson, MS and major in Religious Studies. 

Danielle Smith

Recently moving to La Canada from Florida, Danielle excelled at Ploytechnic School in Pasadena. She played varsity volleyball and was recently a student director for the school’s production of “Sweeney Todd.” As a National Merit Scholarship finalist, Danielle is looking forward to attend Duke and major in Marine Biology. Her mother Cathy is a member of the Thursday Club.

Colby Koklas

About to graduate from St. Francis High School, Colby is excited to attend Chapman College in the city of Orange. He was the head athletic trainer for the St. Francis football and soccer team. Colby earned the rank of Life Scout in Boy Scouts of America. He is active in L.I.F.E a Christian Leadership Team and S.A.L.T the Student Action Leadership Team.