Westminster Students Win $10,000 Scholarships at Angel Stadium — A Night Three Middle Schoolers Won't Soon Forget

June 3, 2026

On the evening of May 13, three eighth graders from Westminster School District stood at Angel Stadium — not for a game, but for something that will follow them far longer than any final score.

Laurie Le, Katie Rojas, and Alexandrea Pauli were each recognized as AVID Angel Standouts through the AVID Angel Standout and Scholarship Program, a partnership between the Orange County Department of Education and the Angels Baseball Foundation that honors eighth-grade students across Orange County for academic achievement, character, and a demonstrated commitment to pursuing a four-year university. This year, Laurie and Katie were selected from a pool of finalists to each receive one of only eight $10,000 scholarships awarded countywide.

Laurie Le — Johnson Middle School

For Laurie, a Johnson Middle School student who maintains a 4.0 GPA while helping care for her younger brother at home, the recognition was the result of years of quiet, consistent work. She translates for her parents and grandparents, manages household responsibilities, and still finds time for honors coursework, advanced strings, piano, swimming, and a self-taught crocheting hobby she turned into something meaningful — handmade detailed clothing for her brother's stuffed animals. She wants to become a pediatrician and attend UC Irvine, a goal shaped directly by her brother's experiences navigating medical care. 

"I have a multitude of people to thank for everything," Laurie said. "I want to thank the Angels Baseball Organization for choosing me as the eighth grade AVID Scholar and for giving me this amazing honor. I also want to thank my AVID teacher, Mrs. Fong, and my family for supporting and guiding me through this entire process. The AVID program has opened multiple opportunities for me, and I look forward to seeing what the next four years of AVID will bring."

Her teacher, Johnson AVID instructor Kimberly Fong, has watched that growth up close. "Laurie is an exceptional student and an all-around wonderful person. What makes her special is that she didn't just naturally have these amazing qualities — she worked hard to develop them and continues to improve every single day."

Katie Rojas — Warner Middle School 

Katie Rojas of Warner Middle School brings a different kind of energy — one that moves outward into her community. She earned the Civil Engagement Award for helping create toys for local shelters and the Biliteracy Award for delivering a presentation in Spanish. She has led mural projects promoting science education as a Chief Science Officer, collaborated on developing asthma patch concepts through ExploraVision, and contributed to an engineering bridge design project at the Orange County Science and Engineering Fair. She has also volunteered through Read Across America, Thanksgiving donation drives, and local park cleanups. As a National Junior Honor Society member, she chose to enroll in honors classes as an eighth grader — a decision her AVID teacher says speaks directly to who she is.

"Katie consistently challenges herself academically," said Warner AVID teacher Joe Acquarelli. "Rather than settling for what is easy, Katie actively seeks opportunities that stretch her abilities and deepen her understanding. Katie is quiet, but she has a tremendous passion for success. She is never one to complain or have to be reminded to stay on task. She is a role model for academics."

For Katie, Wednesday night carried meaning that extended well beyond the stadium. "The Angels Scholarship award is life-changing for me and my family," she said. "I want to thank all of my Warner teachers who have helped shape me into the student I am today. Warner has helped strengthen my leadership, academic, and social skills, all of which played a major role in earning this award."

Alexandrea Pauli — Stacey Middle School 

Alexandrea Pauli, recognized as an AVID Angel Standout from Stacey Middle School, has made her mark closer to campus. Since sixth grade, she has been known among teachers and peers for her consistency — showing up with kindness, integrity, and a clear sense of where she is headed. Her involvement in the VOICES program reflects the same quality her educators describe in the classroom: a student who takes her responsibilities to others seriously.

Stacey AVID teacher Viki Ortega put it plainly. "Alexandrea exemplifies what it takes to be an AVID scholar. Her bright smile lights up the classroom and reflects her positive attitude toward learning and helping others. As a leader, she approaches every challenge with tenacity, an open mind, and confident resilience. She sets high goals for herself and consistently works hard to achieve them."

Alexandrea's own words pointed directly to the relationship that helped get her there. "I would like to thank Mrs. Ortega because, with her persistent personality, she has pushed me to go above and beyond my limits and wants the absolute best for me," Alexandrea said. "She is the one who got me to where I am today. Thank you so much, Mrs. Ortega, for everything you have done for me."

A Reflection of What the Program Makes Possible

"This recognition is a reflection of what happens when students have access to strong support systems and believe in their own potential," said Superintendent Gunn Marie Hansen, Ph.D. "The AVID program plays a vital role in Westminster School District, and Laurie, Katie, and Alexandrea are powerful examples of what our students are capable of achieving."

Kimberly Fong, who has guided many students through this process, offered a broader perspective. "It's an honor to teach AVID to eighth grade students, knowing they are headed in the right direction toward a college education. These students work hard to secure better futures for themselves." 

Westminster School District is home to the AVID program across all three of WSD’s middle schools. The program exists for students who have the drive and potential to reach a four-year university and benefit from the structure and support to get there. Laurie, Katie, and Alexandrea are proof that when the right environment meets a motivated student, the results speak for themselves. For families considering where their child will grow, be challenged, and be seen, Wednesday night at Angel Stadium offered a clear answer.