By Diane Zhang
Special to the Alpine Mountaineer
A swish of skirts and a dapper top hat – on the evening of Sunday, April 7, I attended the UCLA Mountain Bruins Gala at the UCLA Lake Arrowhead Lodge dressed in my best cocktail attire.
Themed in tribute to musical legend Frank Sinatra, the dinner featured a variety of ‘Ol Blue Eyes’ biggest hits and a selection of his favorite dishes. Later in the evening, a live auction was held to raise scholarship funds for Rim of the World High School students who will attend UCLA.
This year, a total of five Rim High students who were accepted into UCLA as incoming freshmen attended the annual UCLA Mountain Bruin Gala. Including myself, senior students Ryan Terreri, Mackenzie Cerwin, Nikolai Carbaugh and Jocelyn Broderick were in attendance. Live singers Frank, Sammy and Dean filled the air with Sinatra’s tunes as we were formally introduced to the UCLA Mountain Bruins, who welcomed us with open arms.
Feeling musically spontaneous, Nikolai Carbaugh even went on stage to perform a rendition of Sinatra’s famous “Fly Me to the Moon!” As the night progressed, I found myself feeling more connected to my community than ever before.
Founded in 1992, the Mountain Bruins have been an integral part of the mountain community for several years, supporting students with their educational endeavors. Having been with the Mountain Bruins for roughly 20 years, during which he was a board member, scholarship chair and president, Jim Ferranti knows this well.
“Since 1992, we have provided over 150 students with scholarships to the tune of over $350,000,” Ferranti said. The UCLA Mountain Bruins Scholarship can help lighten the financial burdens of college tuition. “We provide support at a certain level – but if you come back to us and say, ‘I’ve exhausted every avenue, and I don’t have enough to stay at UCLA,’ we’ll work with you,” Ferranti added.
In addition to scholarship tuition support, the Mountain Bruins also provide junior students at Rim High field trips to the UCLA campus.
“I would say to the UCLA students who are going this year as incoming freshmen, don’t be hesitant to explore any avenue, any class or to try new things,” Ferranti said. “At college, you’re going to be exposed to people from all walks of life – people who were homeless for years, people who live in mansions and you’re gonna get a viewpoint from all these folks. Listen to them; find out what they’re all about and find out about yourself.”
Fancy Davis, who is current vice president of the UCLA Mountain Bruins, shares a similar love for the community and its students. “It’s just a wonderful organization that helps students. Many of our students have told us over the years that they feel more grounded with the community. We believe that you guys are our children, and we’re sending you off to the world and we want to be here for you,” she said.
As the night progressed, Jim Ferranti helmed a sensational live auction to help raise funds that will go toward scholarships for Rim students who will attend UCLA.
Having already officially committed to UCLA myself, I was overwhelmed by the immense support the community offered. I am truly grateful to have the support of such a welcoming and devoted group of people who are willing to go above and beyond to nurture my educational dreams.
Also sitting at my table was Julie Scorziell, an independent college admissions counselor who provides application workshops and guidance to Rim High students. “What a wonderful year! As a UCLA alum I’m thrilled five Rim students were admitted because I know how exceptional each of them is and the positive impact they’ll make on campus. It’s a win for everybody. Go Rim and Go Bruins!”
As the night slowly drew to an end, I left with a feeling of anticipation and excitement for the future. With the amazing support of our mountain community, I cannot wait for my college adventures to begin!
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