The Bay Osos Filipino Community Association (BOFCA) recently awarded scholarships to area students during a celebratory luau held in Los Osos. Photo submitted
A local, non-profit charitable organization is helping students with funding for college.
The Bay Osos Filipino Community Association (BOFCA) recently awarded $3400 in scholarships to 10 graduates from five different high schools including Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, SLO Classic Academy, Pioneer Valley, and Rocklin high schools.
“In our Filipino culture, the elders who immigrated to the U.S. from the Philippines stress to the children at a young age that education is important to achieve a career,” said Kathryn Gaoiran, treasurer of the local organization. “They themselves were fortunate if they even graduated from high school. This is our mission to assist college bound students with some financial help. We also recognized nine college graduates whose family are BOFCA members with a Cream of the Crop Award.”
The application process evaluates student GPA, community service, future college and career goals along with an essay written by the student.
BOFCA held a Scholarship Awards Luau Dinner at the South Bay Community Center in Los Osos last month where lechon (roasted whole pig), BBQ chicken and tri tip, rice, pancit (Filipino noodle), lumpia (Filipino egg roll), and fruit were served.
In part, BOFCA raises funds for the scholarships via their big barbeques typically held in the Ralph’s parking lot near Beach Hut Deli. The next chicken BBQ is scheduled for Sunday September 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of Ralph’s. For $15, the dinner includes 1/2 chicken, rice, beans, and green salad. Pancit, and lumpia are available for purchase as well but are not part of the dinner.
