SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Scholarship Winners 2024
We are pleased to introduce the students selected to receive on OCFDA Scholarship in 2024. We are committed to helping mortuary science students succeed. We would like to thank our Scholarship Committee: Kimberly Worl, Rachel Atry, Liz Roberts, Ashley Garwacki, Lesley Trejo, Raymundo Perez-Plascencia, and Yvonne Moser.
Rikki Fine
What Semester are you in currently?
I am at the end of my 3rd semester
When do you plan to Graduate?
I plan to graduate in December 2024
What area of study has been your favorite so far and why?
I have been fascinated by every area of the curriculum, but Thanatology is the subject I connected with the most because of the ways I've seen me and my loved ones affected by death and loss. I hope to continue on to pursue further education as a Grief Counselor. I really relate to others going through the grief process and all the ways it manifests in our lives.
What are you looking forward to most in the next year?
I am looking forward to getting more contact with families in the next year and to take on more public facing roles.
If you are currently in the industry or completing your student practicums at a funeral home, which funeral home are you working with?
I'm currently fortunate to be a work study intern at Forest Lawn in Covina since January 2023. My main goal after graduation is to lay a foundation as a Funeral Director and Embalmer, and then eventually incorporate being an educator in order to give back to the new generation of funeral professionals.
When you have free time from work and studies, what do you enjoy doing?
I love this profession so much; I want to do as much of it as possible, but I do enjoy family time outside of my studies and work. This usually involves trips to the LA County Fair, Knotts Berry Farm, Disneyland, and short vacays in the mountains or desert - or road trips home to Oklahoma. love to watch scary movies with our protector, Boo, a rescued husky with a sweet ghost face, and my daughter, Lil. She's very proud of me and that means the world and keeps me going.
Cinthya Jurado
What semester are you in currently?
I am currently in my third semester
When do you plan to Graduate?
I will be graduating in the Fall of 2024
What area of study has been your favorite so far and why?
I love the history portion of funeral service but the lecture and lab for embalming has quickly taken its place as my favorite. It has helped to solidify my passion for wanting to serve in the field.
What are you looking forward to most in the next year?
I am looking forward to take my NBEs.
If you are currently in the industry or completing your student practicums at a funeral home, which funeral home are you working with?
I have been with Forest Lawn Memorial Parks in Cypress since my first semester.
What are some of your goals once you graduate?
Once I graduate, I look forward to starting my apprenticeship and furthering my education learning the ins and outs of embalming and the funeral business.
When you have free time from work and studies, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy going to concerts and other art events like museums, independent vendor markets and ceramic workshops with friends.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our members?
I'd like to extend my thanks again to OCFDA members for choosing me to receive this scholarship and for being so welcoming and receptive to students and new professions that are entering into the field. You have created a space for professionals and students to feel comfortable and recognized and it does not go unappreciated.
Naomi Goodwin
What semester are you in currently?
I am currently in my final semester
When do you plan to Graduate?
I will be graduating May 2024
What area of study has been your favorite so far and why?
My favorite area of study is Funeral Service Sciences because we learn about the process of death and how to uniquely choose chemicals that work best for each individual.
What are you looking forward to most in the next year?
I am looking forward to finding an apprenticeship and learning from talented individuals.
If you are currently in the industry or completing your student practicums at a funeral home, which funeral home are you working with?
I am currently not with a funeral home
What are some of your goals once you graduate?
My goals include completing my apprenticeship and becoming well rounded within the funeral service profession.
When you have free time from work and studies, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy going to the gym, rollerblading, swimming, and dancing.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our members?
I am so grateful to have met so many wonderful people in this profession.
Cynthia Sanchez
What semester are you in currently?
I am currently in the first semester
When do you plan to Graduate?
I will be graduating in the next three years
What are of study has been your favorite so far and why?
One of my favorite topics within my early studies is Religion in regards to death. I love rituals and guidance religion emits onto people as they search for a way to stay closer to someone who no longer stands with them. I love the idea that there is opportunity for a shared memory during and even after the eventual has occurred.
What are you looking forward to most in the next year?
I’m excited to see how the small steps I’ve taken towards the funeral industry have evolved. I’m excited to see what else the funeral industry will allow me to be a part of.
If you are currently in the industry or completing your student practicums at a funeral home, which funeral home are you working with?
I am currently employed as a Mortuary Office Specialist at Rose Hills.
What are some of your goals once you graduate?
I do have some goals lined up for me once I graduate, for example becoming a licensed embalmer and funeral director. Another thing I’m persistent on accomplishing would be obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
When you have free time from work and studies, what do you enjoy doing?
I tend to linger around my child, I enjoy watching and being a part of his growth. I often volunteer at his school just to support his social life and even ponder in deep conversations as we talk of the world. Being a mother is truly the extent of my happiness.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our members?
Thank you, not only for choosing me to receive this scholarship but I thank you for seeing something in me I still have trouble seeing. I hope to make you all proud one day and I genuinely can’t wait to grow within the family of this industry.
Scholarship Winners 2022
We are pleased to introduce the students selected to receive an OCFDA scholarship in 2022. We are committed to helping mortuary science students succeed. We would like to thank our Scholarship Committee: Kimberly Worl, Rachel Atry, Liz Roberts, Ashley Garwacki, Jill Lloyd, and Chris Iverson.
Scholarship Winners 2020
We are pleased to introduce the students selected to receive an OCFDA scholarship in 2020. We are committed to helping mortuary science students succeed. We would like to thank our Scholarship Committee: Amy Nichols, Lesley Trejo, Kimberly Worl and Liz Roberts..
Alaina Webster
What semester are you in currently?
I am in my third semester at Cypress.
When do you plan to Graduate?
I plan to graduate in Spring 2021.
What area of study has been your favorite so far and why?
So far funeral service sciences has been my favorite area of study. Growing up I had an aversion to science and generally avoided it if I could but in the context of embalming and funeral service I have found that I actually really enjoy it. Learning about how different diseases affect post mortem conditions and how embalming chemicals work has been so interesting.
What are you looking forward to most in the next year?
In the next year I am most looking forward to graduating with my mortuary science degree and completing my embalming apprenticeship.
If you are currently in the industry or completing your student practicums at a funeral home, which funeral home are you working with?
I work at Hillside Memorial Park Mortuary in Los Angeles and Brown Colonial Mortuary in Santa Ana.
What are some of your goals once you graduate?
Upon graduation I hope to successfully pass my National Board Exams and California Embalmer’s License exam. Once dually licensed, I hope to gain a mortuary management position. I also have an interest in forensic work so I hope to have the opportunity to explore that field as well. My major long-term goal is to own my own mortuary.
When you have free time from work and studies, what do you enjoy doing?
When I have free time (rarely this semester!) I enjoy running outside, working out, going to the beach, and exploring different areas in California.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our members?
I love this profession and feel so lucky to be a part of it. I am so excited for what the future holds and I greatly appreciate the support I am receiving from OCFDA! I hope to meet and work with you all in the future..
Renee Ramirez
What semester are you in currently?
First Semester of Mortuary program
When do you plan to Graduate?
Spring 2022
What area of study has been your favorite so far and why?
Since this is my first semester in the program my favorite area of study comes from the Funeral Service Assistant program. The labs in that program were exciting and helpful as I learned how to operate a gurney and properly wrap a decedent.
What are you looking forward to most in the next year?
I am looking forward to the thanatology class! People handle grief differently and I can’t wait to know more about it.
What are some of your goals once you graduate?
My goals after graduating are to continue learning on the job. This profession changes as society does and I’m looking forward to seeing what changes once I am working.
When you have free time from work and studies, what do you enjoy doing?
In my free time I enjoy playing “Magic! The Gathering”. It is a 2-4 player war-style card game of strategy that uses spells, creatures, and enchantments with the objective being the last person standing.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our members?
I want to take some time to express my gratitude. If it was not for the OCFDA and the members associated with the group many of my school expenses would not have been met. You all paid for my required textbooks and I am so thankful. I cannot wait for when I can start contributing to future students!
Lauren Fetter
What semester are you in currently?
I am in my third semester of the mortuary science program.
When do you plan to Graduate?
I will be graduating from Cypress College in Spring of 2021.
What area of study has been your favorite so far and why?
I really enjoy the science aspect of the program as pathology has always been very interesting to me. Also, learning about the different religious funeral rites has been very fascinating, and the knowledge has been useful at my current position.
What are you looking forward to most in the next year?
Next year is going to be a very exciting year for me, I will be graduating the mortuary program, turning thirty years old, and getting married!
If you are currently in the industry or completing your student practicums at a funeral home, which funeral home are you working with?
I am currently a service director at Fairhaven Memorial Park and Mortuary in Santa Ana, I love working with the families and ensuring their needs are met beyond expectations.
What are some of your goals once you graduate?
After graduation I am hoping to grow in the industry by becoming either an apprentice embalmer or an arranger. Although I am not limiting myself to one career path, because there are many aspects of the funeral industry I would like to experience.
When you have free time from work and studies, what do you enjoy doing?
Prior to the pandemic, I was a member of the Orange County Curling Club and on the ice every Saturday night competing. During my free time I enjoy watching horror movies with my fiancé, and enjoying the fresh air outside.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our members?
I want to extend my appreciation and thanks for OCFDA and its members! Since starting this journey back in January, I have realized that the funeral industry is a very tight-knit community and networking is extremely important. I look forward to meeting and learning from those around me.
Katrina Patapoff
What semester are you in currently?
First semester
When do you plan to Graduate?
Spring 2022
What area of study has been your favorite so far and why?
So far in my first semester my favorite area of study has been the history of the funeral service. It has been fascinating to see where we came from and how the service and techniques have evolved. If there was such a thing as a minor in Victorian funeral service, I’d be in! I would love to take a deep dive into that time period.
What are you looking forward to most in the next year?
I am really looking forward to Thanatology and getting well versed in the psychology of death and loss. I also really look forward to having class in person when the pandemic slows down.
If you are currently in the industry or completing your student practicums at a funeral home, which funeral home are you working with?
I will be beginning my practicums next semester and am currently looking for a funeral home to work with.
What are some of your goals once you graduate?
Being a first semester student, graduation feels very far away! First and foremost is to pass my national board exam. After that I know that I would like to get an embalming apprenticeship as soon as I can and focus on honing in on that skill for the 2 years that it takes to complete.
When you have free time from work and studies, what do you enjoy doing?
In non-pandemic times I love to go to concerts, travel and visit museums. For now I try to get outside and hike, exercise (especially powerlifting) and cook up a storm at home. I also really treasure when I get to chill out with my cat, dog and boyfriend.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our members?
I would like to extend a huge thank you to the Orange County Funeral Directors Association scholarship board for choosing me for this award. Getting into the mortuary science program and getting this scholarship has been a big bright spot in this tough year. I am excited to continue to build a relationship with the association and your support is so appreciated.
Scholarship Winners 2019
We are pleased to introduce the students selected to receive an OCFDA scholarship in 2019. We are committed to helping mortuary science students succeed. We would like to thank our Scholarship Committee: Angela Nishida, Charlie Thorson, John Raggett, Lesley Trejo, Kimberly Worl and Lori Collins.
Amanda Yekel
2nd Semester, Gradation Date May 2020
What area of study has been your favorite so far and why?
At this point of my Funeral Service education, my favorite field of study has been Funeral Services and Ceremonies. Being well rounded and knowledgeable in religious funeral traditions is important in order to be a successful funeral practitioner. With the industry growing and changing rapidly, it is our responsibility to be aware of traditional services as well as understand how to accommodate progressive and secular services.
What are you looking forward to most in the next year?
In the next year of my education and career, I look most forward to making scholarly and professional connections with people and organizations I will be involved with for the rest of my life. This is the very beginning of my journey and I am excited for all that is to come.
If you are currently in the industry or completing your student practicums at a funeral home, which funeral home are you working with?
I am currently employed by Stricklin-Snively Mortuary in Long Beach, California. I am one of only two licensed crematory operators at this facility where we excel at witness cremation services for the local Cambodian community.
When you have free time from work and studies, what do you enjoy doing?
When I am not studying funeral service or working, I love to spend time outside, hiking, camping, reading and appreciating the opportunity to be in such a beautiful state. I arrived here from New Jersey about three years ago and every day I see something new here.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our members?
I want to thank the members of the Orange County Funeral Directors Association for offering the new generation of funeral practitioners this award and their support. Our industry is vital and cohesion is necessary. I look forward to serving the industry and many, many families in the future.
Samantha Jelletich
2nd Semester, Graduation Date May 2020
What area of study has been your favorite so far and why?
My favorite area of studies at the Cypress Mortuary program is chemical concepts relating to the preparations, presentation, and sanitation of human remains; also, religious and ceremonial studies. Outside of school, I enjoy the continuous learning about the dynamics and adaptions of funeral personnel.
What are you looking forward to most in the next year?
I am looking forward to connecting and experiencing more of the funeral industry. The variety of challenges, situations, interactions, and personalities is refreshing and exciting.
If you are currently in the industry or completing your student practicums at a funeral home, which funeral home are you working with?
I am completing my independent study credits at Melrose Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary. The staff made my first clinical journey overwhelmingly educational, positive, supportive, and helpful. I could not be more appreciative for their acceptance and unlimited patience.
When you have free time from work and studies, what do you enjoy doing?
If I had free time from work and studies, I would enjoy sleep.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our members?
I want to share my gratitude to the members of the Orange County Funeral Directors Association. I am very fortunate and grateful to be receiving this grant; also look forward to all I have to learn from this fantastic community of people.
Andriana Tristan
2nd Semester, Graduation Date May 2020
What area of study has been your favorite so far and why?
Science and biology have always been an area of interest to me, so I thoroughly enjoyed our Funeral Chemistry and Pathology course last fall, which gave a detailed look into the anatomy of funeral service from the science perspective.
What are you looking forward to most in the next year?
Over the summer, we will be taking a Thanatology course, which I am very excited about, but I am mostly looking forward to beginning our embalming lab. I am also looking forward to beginning my career in the funeral industry.
If you are currently in the industry or completing your student practicums at a funeral home, which funeral home are you working with?
I am currently completing my Spring and Summer semester practicum with White's Funeral Home in Bellflower.
When you have free time from work and studies, what do you enjoy doing?
I have always been an avid bookworm of both fiction and non-fiction, and although I usually end up back at something mortuary science related, I still try to find time to sit down with a book when I have a moment to myself. I also make time to go running; I have a goal by the end of the year to participate in a half marathon.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our members?
I would love to extend a genuine thanks to the Association for the opportunity to sit down and discuss my passion for funeral service, and explain how fortunate I am for the support they are offering in my studies. I have been incredibly blessed this past year to begin my journey at Cypress and to meet the funeral directors at White's, as it has been wonderful to surround myself with others who share my passion after a long journey leading up to this point. Many thanks!