The late Don Mankamyer was an Industrial Arts instructor who taught in the Santa Clara Unified School District for 30 years. He was a dynamic man with an affinity for working with his hands and educating students who did not excel in traditional academic subjects.
As an educator, he had a unique dedication to his field and always expected the very best from all of his students. He was passionate about higher education, encouraging everyone he encountered to pursue higher education regardless of their chosen career path.
In order to honor his legacy and dedication to the students of SCUSD in the industrial arts, the Mankamyer family decided to start a scholarship at Santa Clara High School.
The scholarship supports students who have excelled in either on-campus Career Technical Education or Central County Occupational Center (CCOC) classes and are moving on to a technical school, apprenticeship program or community college.
The inaugural winner of this important scholarship is Santa Clara Bruin, Nathan Galindo who plans to attend UTI in Sacramento next year. He has his future plans in place and is hopeful and excited to start this next part of his life.
Galindo struggled through his first few years of high school but turned the corner at the end of his junior year. Since then, he has made up failed classes, and taken care of everything necessary for high school graduation. Not only has Galindo graduated, he has been working with UTI on his vocational plans and has a job in place for when he starts school in August. His determination has made all the difference for him and this scholarship will help him realize his goals. Congratulations to Galindo and thank you to the Mankamyer family for continuing the work of Don Mankamyer.
Those interested in helping support this scholarship, can call Santa Clara High School at (408) 423-2600.