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The two were honored at a luncheon at the Rossmoor Event Center along with 46 other students from central Contra Costa County on April 28.
McCluskey plans to major in environmental studies at Loyola Marymont University in Los Angeles, choosing the campus because she "liked the small class sizes and the increased availability of the professors."
She has been active in environmental activities, taking part in a Forestry Challenge in Santa Cruz and a summer volunteer trip with Global Student Embassy to Ecuador where the group planted trees and worked with local students on environmental issues. McClusky says, "The trip to Ecuador helped me see that it's really important to be part of an activity that helps others."
In her sophomore year at Vintage High School in Napa, family issues compelled her to move in with her grandmother in Lafayette and she is finishing her high school education at AHS. With little other financial support, she plans on doing work-study, using student loans, and perhaps an outside job to help pay for her education.
She praised Jada Paniagua, her AP Environmental Science teacher, with helping nurture her interest in the subject. "Her lectures were always informative and interesting and the class convinced me that this is what I should do," said McClusky.
Munkhold will be attending the University of San Francisco where he plans to major in architecture with a possible minor in psychology or civil engineering. USF appealed to him because "it was close to home and offered good financial aid. They also were very inviting and welcomed my application. I look forward to living in the dorms," he says.
His parents immigrated to California from Mongolia - with a stop in Poland - when he was 5 years old. They helped foster an interest in architecture. His electives at AHS reflect that interest and included wood shop, physics and digital design.
Munkhold participated with the North Coast Section champion volleyball team his junior year and is currently a brown belt in karate. He hopes to continue with karate while in college.
In addition to nearly perfect attendance, he has excelled in AP English and AP Spanish. He lists Natalie Moore, his junior English teacher, as being most influential in his academic development.
Moore says, "Uno's willingness to take risks in both classroom discussions and in his writing reflected his kindness, skill, and strength. He combines both intellect and humility and is more than deserving of any and all opportunities and scholarships."
In addition to the $3,000 scholarships awarded to the 48 students, the RSF, in its 52nd year, also gave out an additional $2,500 to 10 of the students for Named and Add-On Awards. Funds are raised from Rossmoor residents, memorial gifts, and private community organizations.
Students can apply through the counseling offices at their schools, which include Acalanes, College Park, Concord, Las Lomas, Mt. Diablo, Northgate, and Ygnacio Valley high schools, and Diablo Valley College.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA