The Dana Point Historical Society honored Beverly Sels at “Picnic Mexicano,” its scholarship fundraiser held on June 26, 2013. More than 100 people attended. Jack Saunderson, son of scholarship namesake Lucy Chavarrias-Saunderson, prepared a mexican dinner that was a delicious representation of Lucy’s famous authentic recipes served at Lucy’s El Patio Cafe which included tacos, cheese enchiladas, rice and beans, and chips and salsa. Jack spoke about Doris I. Walker’s kindness to his mother and about Beverly Sels establishing the DPHS scholarship program in honor of Lucy. Dessert was provided by DPHS board members with coffee service provided by member Jim Miller of Coffee Importers. The ocean-view setting at Lantern Bay Park had a charming south-of-the-border flavor with decorative white, red and green balloons, Mexican serapes and sombreros. A raffle featured prizes that included historic prints, gift baskets, gift cards and El Patio Cafe caps.
Two $1,000 scholarships were awarded to students Melissa Chmelik of San Clemente High School, who received the Lucy Chavarrias-Saunderson Scholarship; and Sarah Ann Martino of Dana Hills High School, who received the Doris I. Walker Scholarship. Glenn Sels, widower of past DPHS President Beverly Sels, introduced his family and friends who attended in her honor. Beverly initiated the scholarship program together with Jack Saunderson, in honor of his mother, Lucy. Blair Walker spoke about his own mother, Doris I. Walker, for whom the second DPHS scholarship is named. Each of the scholarship recipients introduced their family members and spoke of their educational plans and career goals.
Due to the generosity of everyone in attendance, as well as donations from those who could not attend, funds were raised to finance these scholarships for both of the recipients. Any donations not used this year will go into a special fund for future scholarships.