News & Impact

This spring, JFCS’ Financial Aid Center received record numbers of scholarship applications from outstanding local youth eager to pursue their college dreams. Thanks to the generosity of donors to JFCS’ scholarship fund, many young people received the life-changing news of financial help.

Among the happy students were the four recipients of the Vivienne S. Camp Scholarship, which was established more than three decades ago through the visionary commitment of Mrs. Camp. This year’s Vivienne S. Camp Scholarship recipients have an array of aspirations—from astrophysics to the arts. What they share is a strong connection to their Jewish identity, a commitment to tikkun olam, a record of academic excellence, and demonstrated resilience against adversity.

It is our pleasure to introduce the 2024 Vivienne S. Camp Scholarship awardees.

Ariel

When asked what it means to be Jewish, Ariel Mazor, a recent graduate of Kehillah Jewish High School in Palo Alto, shared: “Being Jewish is all about embodying the values of justice, respect, and kindness.”

Ariel and his family have been active members of Congregation Sinai throughout his life. As he grew older, he became an active volunteer there, making Hanukkah gift bags, serving as a greeter on High Holy Days, setting up Shabbat dinners, and more. He was proud to become a bar mitzvah.

An avid soccer player since kindergarten, Ariel will be attending Santa Clara University, where he plans to study computer science and engineering.

“It’s truly an honor to receive this scholarship assistance,” says Ariel. “Because of JFCS and this scholarship, I can focus more on my academics and worry less about the financial aspect college carries. I am so grateful to win this award.”

Jackson

Jackson Flagg has long had a keen interest in business and finance. He started Design Tech High School’s first Financial Literacy Club and supplemented his high school curriculum with community college courses in accounting, statistics, and economics.

During his junior year of high school in Redwood City, Jackson created the Ruth Fund, a nonprofit investment portfolio funding breast cancer research in honor of his mother, who passed away from the disease. The cash dividends from the fund are awarded to local breast cancer researchers.

“The Ruth Fund won’t bring my mom back, but at least it helps me forge a stronger connection with her friends and family in the Jewish community,” says Jackson.

For college, Jackson sought a school with a strong business department and robust internship program. He was thrilled to be accepted to UC Berkeley, with its acclaimed business programs, and looks forward to joining the campus Hillel.

Loren

“I feel that my love for music and painting, which I have pursued passionately, is intertwined with my Jewish heritage,” says Loren Gigi. “My pride and respect for Jewish scientists like Einstein inspire me to pursue the sciences, specifically astrophysics, in college.”

Growing up in San Francisco, Loren displayed an aptitude for music from a very early age, going on to become the youngest-ever member of the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra in sixth grade. Loren also excelled academically.

Even with a rigorous class and practice schedule, Loren consistently sets aside time to share her musical gifts with seniors and hospital patients. During the pandemic, she performed regularly for residents at Rhoda Goldman Plaza.

“This scholarship empowers and supports me, giving me both courage and a greater sense of responsibility,” says Loren, who will begin her studies this fall at UC Santa Cruz. “I am excited about my future career and will continue giving back to my community.”

Viva

“I strive to embody the Jewish values of responsibility and stewardship through service projects and environmental initiatives,” says Viva Wertz, a recent graduate of Urban High School, who is working this summer as a camp counselor at Camp Tawonga.

A strong student, Viva also excelled in the arts. In middle school, she took classes at the American Conservatory Theater (ACT). At Urban, she performed in eight of the theater productions, while also writing for and becoming editor in chief of the school’s newspaper.

Throughout high school, Viva expanded her efforts to champion for women’s rights. For example, she joined Camp Tawonga’s sexual harassment task force, served as California chair for the youth-led nonprofit organization Project NINE, and completed a summer internship with the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office.

At UCLA, Viva plans to study theater. With her dedication to defending and increasing women’s rights, she may pursue law school in the future.

These four young people represent just a few of the highly qualified students who received financial support for the 2024-2025 school year, thanks to the generosity of donors to JFCS’ scholarship fund.

Learn more about JFCS’ educational loans and grants.

Help our community’s students attain their college dreams by making a gift today!

JFCS’ Loans and Grants Program is supported by the generosity of individuals, foundations, businesses, and JFCS‘ Named Endowment Funds. For information about establishing a scholarship, please contact Barbara Farber, Director of Development and Planned Giving, at [email protected] or 415-449-3858.