The highest number and dollar value of scholarships to date was awarded from the Al Teglia Jobs for Youth Endowment Fund to 11 youths May 29 at the 26th Annual Jobs for Youth Fundraising/Awards Breakfast at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Foster City.

The Endowment Fund, which provides college or vocational scholarships, was established in 2005 by the Jobs for Youth committee in honor of its founder Albert Teglia for his continued dedication to the program.

Jessica Cuadra, a past Jobs for Youth scholarship recipient, won a $1,500 scholarship to continue working toward a business administration degree at San Francisco State University.

The following students received $1,000 scholarships: Daniel Nopuente of College of San Mateo; 2006 scholarship recipient Elizabeth Navarro, New York University; Charles Torres Jr., a 2008 Jefferson High School graduate; Nadia Morales, a 2008 Hillsdale High School graduate; Alfonso Bueno, of Sequoia Adult School; Justin Garzarelli, of El Camino High School; Eshawn Scranton and Thailand Lefiti, of Skyline College; and Sindy Crisostomo and Koletti Leha, of Sequoia High School.

Georgette's of Westlake, Hal Kataoka, Richard Miller, Pacific Gas and Electric Co., Philanthropic Ventures Foundation and Woodlawn Foundation were among the many generous donors to the Endowment Fund.

William Nack, executive officer of the Building and Construction Trades Council of San Mateo County, and Connie

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Zakos, program coordinator for Adult Basic & Secondary Education and Building Futures, were guest speakers.

They talked about the vital "Building Futures" program, which helps prepare San Mateo Union High School District seniors and out-of-school San Mateo County youth, ages 18 to 21, to enter California state-certified skilled building and construction trades apprenticeship programs.

"Today's construction industry is highly technical, and requires the ability to read, write, be proficient in mathematics, understand physics, be able to communicate, work as a team member, follow directions, and last, but certainly not least, show up on time every day," said Nack, who noted that participants receive an introduction to 16 construction trades.

"We hope someday there will be a 'Building Futures' program in all school districts in our county," Nack said.

Zakos, co-founder of Peninsula High School in San Bruno and a teacher for more than 40 years, was presented the Fifth Annual Mary Louise Paskevich Award in memory of Paskevich's 20-year participation in Jobs for Youth.

San Mateo County Board of Supervisors President Adrienne Tissier was honorary chair of the event. Jobs for Youth committee chair Ron Kahn of Financial Advantage was emcee, and Beverly Beasley Johnson, director of the county Human Services Agency, gave opening remarks.

To donate to the Endowment Fund, contact Al Teglia at 650-301-8444 or ateglia@smchsa.org. For job information, youths or employers can contact Ruby Tomas at 650-301-8492 or rtomas@smchsa.org.

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Hawaii and Italy: Perfect together — The Italian Catholic Federation, San Mateo District, will hold its "Evening in Paradise" Hawaiian Fundraiser July 28 at Holy Angels Hall, located at 107 San Pedro Road in Colma. Cocktails begin at 6 p.m. and dinner is served at 7 p.m.

Wear your tropical-style clothes and enjoy a delicious meal of Asian salad, Hawaiian chicken, rice pilaf with orzo, vegetables and dessert. There will be entertainment, raffle prizes and surprises.

Cost is $20 per person. The reservation deadline is July 24.

For reservations, call June or Debbie Rodondi at 650-583-0805.

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Cool schools win cash prizes — Shopping trips to The Shops at Tanforan in San Bruno turned into big bucks — $20,000 — for local schools through the mall's "My School's Cool" program. Thirteen area schools participated in the program from August through May 31.

The program challenged schools to earn points in a variety of ways, including submitting receipts from mall purchases, charitable activities and "extra credit" points from involvement in events and promotions at the mall.

When the final bell rang, Lomita Park Elementary School in Millbrae earned the grand prize of $10,000 cash.

Other winning elementary schools were: Crestmoor in San Bruno, $5,000; Good Shepherd in Pacifica, $3,000; All Souls, $1,500, and Buri Buri, $500, both in South San Francisco.

"The Shops at Tanforan was happy to provide a venue and act as honorary principal for this friendly school competition," said general manager Don Whitehead. "'My School's Cool' engaged students, teachers, parents and the entire community to help our local schools receive additional funding for much-needed programs and activities."

If you have any news tips about our county communities, call or fax Carolyn at 650-355-5533 or e-mail her at carolynlivengood@sanbrunocable.com.