Tributes

JON CHERNEY

 

The Jon Cherney Humanitarian Award is presented each year in loving memory of Jon Cherney, Broadcast Production Coordinator at Beverly Hills High School, who passed away on November 26, 1995. For those of you who had the privilege of knowing Jon, you are undoubtedly aware that he, in 28 years, touched more lives than most people do in a lifetime.  He had a profound effect on each and every person he ever met.

 

Jon graduated from Beverly in 1985, following a brilliant career in the Media Department.  After graduating from New York University Tisch School of the Arts, Jon worked in various professional capacities in the entertainment industry, but soon found his true calling by returning to Beverly Hills High School to assist his mentor, Dave Stiles, in running the same Media Department which had first inspired him as a student.  Jon is lovingly remembered as a dedicated teacher, compassionate mentor and, perhaps more importantly, a true friend to Beverly students and staff.

 

The Jon Cherney Humanitarian Award, created by the Cherney Family and the Associated Student Body, was established at Beverly in 1996 to keep alive Jon’s spirit and enthusiasm for life and to help the students who were so important to him.  This college scholarship is awarded annually to a member of the Senior Class who epitomizes Jon’s unique combination of academic achievement, creative talent and spirituality, and, who like Jon, embraces a sincere devotion to humanity and a great passion for making a positive difference.

 

The Jon Cherney Humanitarian Award is presented each year during Senior Awards Night to continue supporting exemplary young adults whose hearts and souls are filled with a burning passion to make a positive contribution to the world.

 

To learn more about the award and past recipients, please visit the Jon Cherney Humanitarian Award website at Jon Cherney Humanitarian Award

or you can visit www.jcaward.org

 

 

The Samuel Kolko Memorial Scholarship is presented annually in loving memory of Sam Kolko, a vibrant member of the Beverly Hills community who passed away on February 21, 2019, at the age of 24. Sam grew up in Beverly Hills, attending Beverly Vista School and graduating from Beverly Hills High School in 2012. Known for his athleticism, Sam played baseball and football throughout his school years and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

 

Sam's life was characterized by his passion for community service, adventurous spirit, and love for nature. He participated in numerous community service activities, including the Beverly Hills Police Explorers, and spent time as a lacrosse coach at Beverly Hills High School. Sam was also deeply connected to his Jewish heritage, celebrating his Bar Mitzvah at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Beyond his academic and extracurricular achievements, Sam was a free spirit who found joy in outdoor activities such as skiing and water sports in Lake Tahoe and hiking to the summit of Mt. Whitney. 

 

Established by the Kolko Family and the Beverly Hills community, the Samuel Kolko Memorial Scholarship honors Sam's legacy by supporting students who embody his qualities of academic achievement, community service, and adventurous spirit. This scholarship is awarded annually to a senior planning to enter a California Community College on a designated education or career track, who demonstrates a commitment to leadership and dedication to the community similar to those defined by Eagle Scouts of which Samuel was a proud member.