Scholars Program
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Kindness is the spark that lights the future — and through these scholarships, we’re helping young leaders turn compassion into lasting change.
Ella Shahbazian
- Applications Open: February 1, 2027
- Deadline to Apply: April 1, 2027
- Winners Announced: May 1, 2027
2026 Ella's Angels Scholars
On June 22, 2026, Ella's Angels proudly awarded four $500 scholarships to graduating students from Pasadena Twilight Adult School. The scholarships were created to recognize students who showed determination, perseverance, and the courage to continue their education while overcoming real-life challenges.
Unlike many scholarship programs that focus only on traditional high school seniors, the Ella's Angels Scholars Program also honors adult students who returned to school while balancing work, family responsibilities, financial hardship, personal challenges, and the hope of building a better future.
2026 Scholarship Recipients
William Guandique
William Guandique's journey is a powerful example of perseverance, recovery, and believing in second chances. With encouragement from his mentor, Joseph Flores, William returned to school and began to believe that he could succeed. He worked hard to overcome alcoholism, stay committed to his sobriety, and push past the belief that he was not good enough to finish his education.
William credits his mentor, family, wife Zulema, son, co-workers, Twilight staff, and alumni such as Jaime Serrano for supporting him along the way. The staff at Twilight helped him identify the classes he needed and gave him a clear roadmap to complete his diploma while also attending ELAC.
This achievement matters because William stopped holding himself back. He earned his high school diploma and will also graduate with his Associate Degree from ELAC. His next goal is to transfer to Cal State LA to complete his bachelor's degree in Rehabilitation Services and eventually earn a master's degree in Social Work.
Maranda Corona
Maranda Corona knew she needed to make a change when life became hectic and overwhelming. She focused on one goal at a time: first earning her driver's license, then building a career, and finally completing her diploma.
Maranda overcame major challenges, including addiction, losing her car and home, losing custody of her daughters, and having to figure life out on her own for many years. Today, she is proud to be clean and sober for three years. Her partner motivated her to make better choices, and her mother provided strong support by helping her with her classes.
This achievement matters because Maranda now sees herself with confidence, pride, and hope for the future. Her next step is to use her Phlebotomy license to find a new job and continue building a better life. Her long-term goals are to buy a house, make it a home for herself and her daughters, and one day run her own auto shop.
Mia Gonzalez
Mia Gonzalez wanted to complete her diploma, and Pasadena Twilight Adult School helped make that goal feel achievable. One of the biggest challenges she overcame was building the self-discipline to work on school every day and stay committed to the process.
Her older sister, Adriana, was a major source of motivation and support throughout her journey. For Mia, earning her high school diploma is the first step toward starting a career and creating a better life for herself.
Next, Mia plans to enter the Sterile Processing Technician program at Pasadena City College.
Carlos Mercado
After living a life on the streets, Carlos Mercado was grateful to find Homeboy Industries and eventually Pasadena Twilight Adult School. He worked diligently and passionately to complete his high school diploma and brought great energy to the process.
Carlos credits his family, siblings, and the people around him for encouraging him along the way. Although he has worked many different jobs, he reached a point where earning his diploma was necessary to move forward.
Ella's Angels is proud of Carlos's journey and excited for what is ahead. He is working toward becoming an electrician and will begin at LA Trade Tech College in July, taking OSHA and electrical certification classes. After that, he plans to continue his general education courses toward an Associate Degree.
The Ella's Angels Scholars Program was created to celebrate students who continue moving forward, even when the road has not been easy. Each 2026 recipient represents courage, resilience, and the power of education to change lives.
Ella's Angels is honored to support these graduates and looks forward to continuing the Scholars Program in future years.
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