We’re thrilled to award our first Tarlton Foundation Rotary Scholarships to four incredible young leaders from the Belle Haven community: Bridget Cruz, Francisco Espinoza Lopez, Jr., Addy Palacios, and Naomi Perez. Each of our applicants was evaluated for their academic prowess, community service, and financial need. Congratulations to you all!

Bridget Cruz

Bridget Cruz was born and raised in Menlo Park and is the older of two children. Very early on in high school, she fell in love with American Sign Language - she took ASL throughout high school and went on to become vice president and president of her school's ASL Club. She was also a student ambassador all four years of high school, was active in her school's LatinX club (which she co-led her senior year), performed in many of her school's plays and musicals, and competed on the high school’s volleyball team. At graduation, she was presented with the Leonard W. Ely Community Award in recognition of her strong involvement in the school community. She graduated from Mid-Peninsula High School in June and will be attending UC Merced in the Fall, where she plans to study business.

Francisco Espinoza Lopez, Jr.

Francisco Espinoza Lopez, Jr. was born in Redwood City and has lived in the Bay area his whole life. He’s the middle of three children. Pushing himself to grow and flourish academically, Francisco received the Excellence in Math award three years in a row. He also had a leadership role in his school’s Rotary Interact Club at school, helping to organize community fundraisers, and worked with Canopy to plant trees in the community. In his free time, he enjoys running and hiking with friends. He graduated from Eastside College Preparatory School in June and will be attending Swarthmore in the Fall, where he plans to study STEM/CS/Physics/Engineering.

Addy Palacios

Addy Palacios was born in Palo Alto and has lived in Menlo Park her whole life. She’s the youngest of four, with three older brothers. Addy graduated in June with 41 college credits from Canada Middle College Program as well from East Palo Alto Academy. She’ll be continuing her education in the fall at UC Riverside, where she plans to major in Political Science/International Affairs.

Naomi Perez

A 15-year resident of Belle Haven, Naomi Perez is the eldest of three children and will be the first in her family to attend college. An artist and an activist, Naomi co-founded the Woodside Bin Project in her sophomore year, a club that allows aspiring artists to transform neighborhood trash bins into works of art. She's also an accomplished athlete, competing on her high school's varsity softball team. Naomi graduated from Woodside High in June and will attend University of Redlands this fall to study English and studio art.