Ventura County Democratic Party - 2012 Jack O'Connell Scholarship

In 2008 the Ventura County Democratic Central Committee officially recognized the Hon. Jack O'Connell's lifetime commitment to education in Ventura County and the state of California by awarding a $1,000 scholarship in the fields of Public Service or Education. The 2012 scholarship will be presented at the Ventura County Democratic Party Spring Fling to be held on Saturday, May 26 at Conejo Creek North Park in Thousand Oaks.  Applicants must be a registered Democrat, a graduate of a Ventura County High School with plans to attend a California public college or university this fall.  Specific qualifications are listed on the form, which is available for download at www.venturacountydemocrats.com.

Applications must be postmarked by Friday, April 27 to be eligible for consideration. After growing up in Oxnard, graduating from Oxnard High School, receiving his B.A. degree from California State University Fullerton (CSUF) and his secondary teaching credential from CSU Long Beach, Jack O’Connell returned to teach government classes at Oxnard High School. His political career began with his election to the Santa Barbara County School Board. Starting in 1982, Jack served six terms in the California State Assembly and was Speaker pro tem. He then was elected to two terms in the State Senate. He was elected as State Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2002 and overwhelmingly reelected in 2006. In 2007 he was inducted into the Ventura County Educators Hall of Fame. He termed out in 2010. In April 2011 Jack became Chief Education Officer for a professional services company that provides consulting, services and legislative advocacy for school districts. Jack O’Connell is a role model for his commitment to education as a teacher, legislator, and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Applications must be postmarked by April 27, 2012. (Please note that you may need to include extra postage.) If you need further information, please leave a message at 805-477-4411. Prospective recipients will be notified the second week in May and arrangements will be made for an interview. Following his or her selection, the winner will be honored at the VCDCC Spring Fling, Saturday, May 26, which will be held at Conejo Creek North Park, 1379 Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, adjacent to the Thousand Oaks library.