KELSEYVILLE >> Worldwide Healing Hands (WHH) is honored to wish Claire Vargas all the best as she begins a new chapter of her life at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles.
Vargas, a 2015 graduate of Kelseyville High School (KHS), is the first recipient of the John Paul Clarke Memorial Scholarship, awarded by WHH this past June. Clarke’s parents, John Clarke and Dr. Paula Dhanda, as well as his sister, Jasmin Clarke, are largely responsible for creating the
scholarship to honor his memory after he tragically passed earlier this year.
“The scholarship is a celebration of the human potential for altruism, empathy and compassion,” Dhanda said. The memorial scholarship will be awarded to a KHS senior each June to further the student’s education either in college or a vocational school, Dhanda explained.
John Paul Clarke’s sister, Jasmin Clarke, in cooperation with WHH, played an instrumental role in the selection process in which Vargas was ultimately chosen, and will continue to do so in the coming years.
“This year’s recipient was chosen for her kindness toward others,” Dhanda said. “We wish Claire the best in her new collegiate ventures. She is a very deserving young woman.”
Vargas expressed extreme gratitude to WHH and the family of John Paul Clarke for the unexpected financial aid and stated that she was surprised but honored to be chosen. She and Clarke were teammates this past tennis season at KHS. Vargas showed dedication and kindness through various outlets in her time at KHS, including student council, dance instruction and community service.
To learn more or contribute to the John Paul Clarke Memorial Scholarship, visit Worldwide Healing Hands’ website, www.worldwidehealinghands.org.