Scholarship Winners
Emily Cervantes - 2026
My name is Emily and I am greatly honored to have been considered worthy of this scholarship. I come from a big family which has taught me the importance of connection and supporting one another. As I navigate my journey in building a meaningful career in the funeral industry as a funeral director, my ultimate goal is to serve families during some of the most difficult moments in life. Funeral service is more than a profession, it is a new opportunity given everyday to make a difference that’ll last a lifetime.
Thank you for this opportunity and for investing in my future.
Lucero Diaz Acevedo - 2026
Lucero Diaz Acevedo is a compassionate and dedicated Mortuary Science student whose passion for service, education, and community has shaped both her academic and professional journey. Born and raised in Michoacán, Mexico, she developed a deep appreciation for community from an early age.
After immigrating to the United States, Lucero faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture and overcoming a language barrier. Her first years in school were difficult, but her love of learning became the driving force behind her academic success. Recognizing that due to California’s rich diversity, many share similar language barriers, she became fluent in English and Spanish. She also speaks French, and is currently studying Arabic. Outside the classroom, Lucero is an active member of her local Catholic parish, where she participates in both music and young adult groups. She enjoys playing guitar and bass in her free time, and finds joy in creative pursuits such as crocheting, painting, and reading. She studied Chemistry and Communications abroad in Italy, an experience that broadened her worldview.
Looking toward the future, Lucero aspires to become an educator within the funeral service profession. She hopes to help elevate public understanding of the industry and advocate for the recognition of funeral service as the respected profession it is. Following graduation, she plans to return to Cypress College to teach future funeral service professionals. Ultimately, she hopes to travel to underserved communities around the world, combining embalming trade work, education and outreach, to help reduce the stigma surrounding death and encourage more open conversations about grief, loss, and end-of-life care. These principles continue to inspire her pursuit of knowledge and her dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Paola Conchas - 2026
My name is Paola, I am 32 years old and I am originally from San Diego. My professional journey has been shaped by a strong desire to serve others and make a meaningful difference. Before entering the funeral industry, I had always been curious about funeral service and how I could become part of the profession. I eventually made the decision to pursue an education in Mortuary Science at Cypress College, which led me to gain hands-on experience within the funeral service profession and work in a funeral home. This has given me a deeper appreciation for the responsibility funeral service professionals carry. I have witnessed firsthand how important it is to care - not only for the deceased - but also for the families who entrust us with their loved ones during one of the most difficult times in their lives.
I have always had a strong sense of empathy and a genuine desire to help others. At times in my life, I viewed these qualities as a hindrance because I have always cared deeply about the people around me and often found myself carrying their emotions with me. However, through my experience in funeral service, I have come to understand that these qualities are not a weakness—they are some of the qualities that can make me a better funeral service professional.
America Espinoza - 2025
America writes: “I used the scholarship to help pay for my National Board Exams for Mortuary Science, which are required for me to become licensed. The exams were expensive, so having that support made a big difference and took a lot of stress off my shoulders. It allowed me to focus more on studying and preparing instead of worrying about the cost.
Because of the scholarship, I’ve been able to keep moving forward in my career and get closer to working in the field I’m passionate about!”
Cynthia Sanchez - 2024
