COUNTYWIDE : Scholarships Given African-Americans

Thirteen local African-American high school and college students have recently received scholarships totaling $12,000 as part of a new program designed to improve access to higher education.

Sponsored by the Orange County Links Inc. Scholarship Program, the scholarships range from $500 to $1,500 and are awarded to African-American students based on their grades, community service and financial need. The Links is an international organization of more than 8,000 predominantly African-American women who promote educational and civic activities, Links spokeswoman Laura S. Rycraw said.

The group awarded scholarships to three Rancho Santiago College students at a ceremony held at the college this month. All three of the recipients--Sean Amos, Mary Barnes and JoAnn Bell--live in Santa Ana.

Previously honored recipients included Saddleback High School student Stephanie Ball of Santa Ana and Esperanza High School student Rashaan Clark of Yorba Linda.

Other college recipients included UC Irvine students Christina Carroll, Hiram Channell and Elizabeth King, all of Irvine. Cal State Fullerton recipients included Tonya LeGraham Cathey of Fullerton, Eva Magdaleno of Fullerton and Jstone Vines of Santa Ana.

Monica Smith, an Irvine Valley College student living in Newport Beach, and Tracey Thomas, a Stanford University student from Santa Ana, also won scholarships.

Students interested in applying for scholarships can send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Scholarship Committee, Orange County Links Inc., P.O. Box 2343, Orange, Calif. 92669-0343, Attention: Laura Rycraw.