Disneyland Awards 10 Scholarships of $5,000 to Deserving Students

Jordyn Berk of Capistrano Valley High School was awarded a $5,000 Disneyland Resort Scholarship for her dedication and passion for volunteerism. (photo courtesy Disney)

Disneyland has a six year history of awarding scholarships to deserving Orange County high school graduates. This year the resort worked with a panel of distinguished judges, including Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait, Chairman of the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Eddie Marquez, U.S. Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez and Disney Legend Marty Sklar, to select 10 graduates who each received $5,000 Disneyland Resort scholarships.

While the caliber of students exceeds expectations each year — Disney has chosen to profile the extraordinary work of Jordyn Berk from Capistrano Valley High School.

After witnessing her grandfather’s struggle with diabetes, Berk learned about the disease at an early age. A black belt in karate, she combined her passion for the martial arts with her hope of finding a cure. She founded the annual Chop for Charity fundraiser, benefitting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and CHOC Children’s. This year alone Berk raised more than $50,000.

Berk also volunteers at Boys Town, the American Red Cross and Second Harvest.

“It’s important to me to raise awareness for causes that I am passionate about and to encourage others to do the same,” she said.

Congratulations to all Disneyland Resort scholarship recipients. And a big thank you to Jordyn Berk for setting a great example.