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Community Corner

The Shops at Mission Viejo Awards Simon Youth Foundation Scholarship to local student

Jessenia Sanchez of Tustin has received a Simon Youth Foundation Community Scholarship valued at $1,500. The scholarship is awarded in partnership between The Shops at Mission Viejo and Simon Youth Foundation (SYF), a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational and career development opportunities for youth.

Sanchez is a recent graduate of Tustin High School and exemplified herself through academic excellence, leadership skills, and participation in both school and community activities. She plans to study Sociology/Administrative Studies at the University of California, Riverside 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 Patsy Sanquist, director of marketing and business development at The Shops at Mission Viejo.

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.”

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 The Shops at Mission Viejo
Among the 150 stores and restaurants at The Shops at Mission Viejo, this indoor mall features Nordstrom, H&M, Macy's, Apple, Sephora, and The Cheesecake Factory. Home to Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour, Paradise Bakery and Microsoft, recognized by the OC Register's 2013 People's Choice Awards for "best ice cream," "best cookie," and "best tech store" respectively, The Shops at Mission Viejo serves many nearby communities such as Ladera Ranch, Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, San Juan Capistrano and the city of Mission Viejo. The Shops at Mission Viejo is conveniently located at the intersection of the I-5 and Crown Valley Parkway in the city of Mission Viejo. With over 150 stores and restaurants, The Shops at Mission Viejo is south Orange County's main shopping destination. For a map and store listings, as well as directions, events and job listings, visit http://www.simon.com/mall/the-shops-at-mission-viejo or call 949-364-1771. For more information, visit The Shops at Mission Viejo on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ShopsAtMissionViejo, Twitter at https://twitter.com/ShopsMV or Instagram at http://instagram.com/ShopsMV.

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