NEWMAN - Amidst heartfelt tributes and resounding applause, the TOSCA scholarship organization proudly celebrated its 32nd year of fostering academic excellence with its annual Awards Presentation on Wednesday, May 21. This year's ceremony was especially poignant, dedicated to the memory of TOSCA's visionary founder, Bob McConnell, who passed away on January 16, 2025.
After a short invocation, guest speaker Callista Dyt Sousa delivered a moving address, highlighting McConnell's profound impact not only on the town of Newman but also on the inception of the TOSCA program in 1993. Indeed, the evening served as a powerful testament to his legacy, as the organization honored McConnell and dedicated this year's awards presentation in his memory.
This year marked a significant milestone for TOSCA, with a record 190 deserving students receiving a grand total of $265,250 in scholarships, paving the way for their educational journeys. The inspiring ceremony recognized the achievements of 87 talented high school seniors, who were awarded $102,700 in scholarships to support their transition to higher education. Following them, 103 dedicated postgraduate students received an impressive $162,550, empowering them to pursue advanced degrees and specialized fields.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of the Prien Innovative Education Fund (TOSCA-PIE), established in honor of Ernest L. Prien. This vital fund continues to be a cornerstone of TOSCA's mission, with its total grant awards to date reaching an astounding $453,515, demonstrating its profound impact on countless students' lives.
The spirit of community and collaboration, so essential to TOSCA's enduring success, was also celebrated through the TOSCA Recognition awards. This year, the organization extended its deepest gratitude to several key individuals and organizations whose unwavering support and generosity have been instrumental in its growth and ability to serve the community. Honorees included:
* Robert Burroughs, representing Genske Mulder & Co.
* Mark Jensen of Jensen and Jensen Attorneys at Law
* The Newman-Crowslanding Unified School District
* John Borrelli of Stephens & Borrelli Real Estate
Each recipient was warmly thanked for their many acts of kindness and dedication, which have been vital in making TOSCA the successful and impactful organization it is today. As TOSCA looks forward to another year of empowering students, the evening served as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of education, the profound difference a supportive community can make, and the enduring legacy of a man whose vision continues to uplift generations.
