2011 Relief Scholarship Winner

 Kelly Encinas

Kelley Encinas is a graduate of El Camino Real High School in Woodland Hills, CA and the proud recipient of a 2011 Relief Scholarship.

She is starting her college career at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and plans to major in Psychology. She hopes to attend graduate school afterwards become a children’s psychiatrist.  

“I’ve always really liked [psychology] and I’ve read books on it which have interested me,” says Encinas, “And I like working with kids too. It interests me the way the mind works and I hope to be able to dig deep in working with kids and people to see what is really going on in their heads and to help them out.”

While in high school, Kelley spent her summers and after school time volunteering with the “United in Harmony” program which partners promising high school students with children from underprivileged and poverty-stricken families.  For three years, she spent time helping steer kids in the right direction and playing the role of camp counselor during annual, week-long camping trips in Malibu.

Kelley also raised money for the “Acre by Acre Foundation,” an organization which supports the effort to curb deforestation.

In addition to her charity work, she played on the school soccer team and was involved with Student Leadership, planning activities and pep rallies for each grade level.  

Q & A

What did receiving a scholarship through the LA Firemen’s Relief Association mean to you?

“I’m really proud to have both my dad and step dad as firefighters so when I heard about the scholarship, I really hoped I would get it. Now that I have I’m grateful to be recognized by the Relief Association and it has really meant a lot.”

How will this scholarship help you in your own education and in making a difference in the community?

“Since I’m going out of state, it will help with paying for the higher tuition and books and flying to and from Wisconsin. Knowing that I have that little extra money so that I can pursue my career choice is relieving. Hopefully one day I’ll be able to give back by going to graduate school, becoming a psychiatrist and helping the community.”

by Matt Toyama, Staff Writer