For more than 15 years, Zephyr Real Estate has invested in the future and education of San Francisco's graduating seniors through the Meritus College Fund. That tradition continues, and this year's recipient is Sintia Henriquez, a graduate from the June Jordan School for Equity. Bill Drypolcher, founder and President of Zephyr, presented the four-year scholarship at the Scholar Awards Ceremony on May 30. The award is valued at $12,000, and Sintia plans to attend the University of California at Los Angeles to pursue a degree in sociology.
Meritus College Fund invests in socio-economically disadvantaged, yet highly motivated, high school students by providing scholarships and support in achieving their potential through higher education. Meritus was founded in 1996 and has awarded in excess of $5 million and innumerable hours of coaching and mentoring. Over 87 percent of those scholars have graduated from college. The fund is supported through donations from 800 groups and individuals who all endorse the philosophy of creating educational opportunities for those who might otherwise be left behind.
Zephyr managers and agents contribute to the fund each year to take part in this worthwhile endeavor. Every dollar donated to Meritus is completely committed to providing these scholarships. More information about the fund and methods of support may be found at http://www.meritusfund.org.
"My motivation to attend college is rooted in my struggles. I want to show my family that their journey to the United States wasn't in vain; it was for greater opportunities that will bring me an enriching education and experience in college," Sintia commented. "I know that attending college will support me and my dreams. I am grateful for this opportunity." Sintia is also a recipient of a Maisin Scholars award.
Previous recipients include Samuel Cardenas, Trevor Chuan, Jorge Pacheco, Pedro Perez, Julian Merino, Danelia Lopez, and Kevin Khai. Their college destinations include California State University-East Bay, University of California at Davis, San Francisco State, University of California at Santa Cruz and Whittier College. "This is one of the finest ways to give back to our community," commented Bill Drypolcher, who also serves on the Advisory Council for Meritus.
"We are involved with Meritus to help bridge this educational gap and offer much-needed funding for deserving Bay Area high school graduates to attend college and fulfill their dreams."
About Zephyr Real Estate
Founded in 1978, Zephyr Real Estate is San Francisco's largest independent real estate firm with $1 billion in gross sales in 2011 and a current roster of more than 200 full-time agents. In 2010, Zephyr launched its new website, which has earned three web design awards, including the prestigious WebAward for Outstanding Website from the Web Marketing Association. Zephyr Real Estate is a member of the international relocation network, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World; the luxury real estate network, Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate; and the local luxury marketing association, the Luxury Marketing Council of San Francisco. Zephyr has six strategically located offices in San Francisco, a business center in Marin County, and serves a large customer base throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information, visit www.zephyrsf.com.