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Community Corner

$1 million in Simon Youth Scholarships includes award for local San Diego student

Emanuel A. Baeza of San Diego has received a Simon Youth Foundation Community Scholarship valued at $1,500. The scholarship is awarded in partnership between Fashion Valley and Simon Youth Foundation (SYF), a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational and career development opportunities for youth. 

Baeza is a recent graduate of James Madison High School and exemplified himself through academic excellence, leadership skills, and participation in both school and community activities. He plans to study Criminal Justice at San Diego State University in the fall.

“We are very proud of the Simon Youth Scholarships program, because it has given us the opportunity to support the academic endeavors of promising youth right here in our community,” says Chris Lane, director of marketing and business development at Fashion Valley.

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With a combined value of more than $1 million, Simon Youth Scholarships have been awarded this spring to at least one student in every U.S. community that is home to a Simon® property.

“Education opens doors and creates opportunities for youth to pursue their dreams,” said J. Michael Durnil, President and CEO of SYF.  “We are proud that Simon Youth Scholarships ignite hope for students by helping clear financial obstacles that stand in the way of higher education.”

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About SYF

Simon Youth Foundation, a national nonprofit, exists to help at-risk students who are on the verge of dropping out of high school stay in school. Through 23 Simon Youth Academies in 13 states and Simon Youth Scholarships, SYF advocates, creates and initiates educational opportunities for students so they can start here and go anywhere. In partnership with local public schools, SYF has maintained a 90% graduation rate at its Academies since inception, graduated more than 11,000 students, and awarded more than $11 million in scholarships.  Learn more at www.syf.org

About Fashion Valley

Fashion Valley is San Diego's finest collection of more than 200 stores and restaurants in a beautiful outdoor setting. Anchored by Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and JCPenney, Fashion Valley offers over 1.7 million square feet of retail space, making it the largest shopping mall in San Diego and one of the largest in California. Global brands call Fashion Valley their San Diego home, including Burberry, CH Carolina Herrera, Gucci, Hermès, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Prada and Ted Baker London, among others. With dining options like California Pizza Kitchen, The Cheesecake Factory, Love Boat Sushi, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, True Food Kitchen and more, combined with an 18-screen AMC Theatres on property, Fashion Valley is truly a premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Follow Fashion Valley at www.facebook.com/FashionValleyMallwww.twitter.com/fashionvalleyca or www.instagram.com/fashionvalleyca/.

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