SDA Grad Gordon Yee of Encinitas Wins $2,500 Scholarship

Gordon Yee, who was a highly qualified semi-finalist in Don Diego’s 2013 scholarship process, graduated from San Dieguito Academy in June 2013 with a 4.39 GPA. He will major in Biology/Pre-Med at the University of California, Irvine.

Yee confided, “Throughout my life, I have constantly strived to push myself past my limits,” Gordon has confronted an array of serious health issues since he was a young child. He refused to allow his illnesses to be an excuse, instead excelling academically, attaining his Eagle Scout badge, successfully competing in gymnastics, mentoring students, interning at a hospital and performing community service work. As a consequence of his health issues, Gordon plans to become an orthopedic surgeon. He says, “I’m not just working on my dreams but my parents’ and grandparents’ dreams of success for their children and children’s children.”

Tuition Granted Foundation (TGF) President Stephen Dunham and Don Diego Chair Paul Ecke III state, “This is the first time our two foundations have teamed up to ensure that additional college scholarship awards are provided to outstanding students. Our combined philanthropic energy will benefit not only a future leader like Gordon, but the entire community.”

The Tuition Granted Foundation was founded in 2005 by academic professionals and business leaders motivated solely by the prospect of assisting deserving college-bound students with the financial assistance necessary to achieve academic greatness. Tuition Granted is driven entirely by volunteers. As such, 100% of net donations goes to fund scholarships. More information is at www.tuitiongranted.org.

The Don Diego Scholarship Foundation has awarded more than $600,000 in college scholarships and grants for agricultural education since its inception in 1986. Annual scholarships support students who are ambassadors for the county, academically and through their achievements. Funds are raised through an annual gala, the Amigo Club, which offers entrance to year-round Fairgrounds events for just $99, a Legacy Brick program and donations. For more information, please visit www.dondiegoscholarship.org 

–Don Diego Press Release