About Ruben
The Ruben Mejia STEM Foundation provides scholarships for Watsonville High School seniors pursuing a post secondary education in a STEM field.
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STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
Ruben Mejia was born in Watsonville CA on August 10th, 1977 to Mexican immigrant parents, he was the 11th born of 14 siblings. In high school he was a star football player, threw shotput and wrestled. His athletic ability along with his G.P.A. peaked the interest of college football programs, including Yale, though he decided to step away from football to pursue his academics. He earned his bachelor’s at University of California, San Diego where he majored in Biology and minored in Art. After college, he moved back to Watsonville and married his high school sweetheart, Erin, in 2001. Together they had two children, Lily born in 2004 and Diego in 2007. Ruben was a high school teacher at Watsonville High School for nearly 20 years, teaching biology in both English and Spanish, as well as a class in Natural Resources.
Ruben could walk into a room and make friends with anyone - that was the kind of personality he had. His quick wit and sense of humor could make everyone smile. He never shied away from sharing knowledge, wisdom, and perspective, especially with his students. Ruben was family oriented, always reliable and consistent. Within 43 years, Ruben inspired countless lives. He was a role model for his students, a true friend, and an anchor to his family. Ruben understood first hand that some of our community’s brightest kids face financial barriers that prevent them from pursuing their educational and career goals. He believed that all students deserve a quality education. The Ruben Mejia STEM Foundation carries on his legacy by empowering students to follow their dreams.
Scholarship Recipients
Each year, we carefully select deserving winners from Watsonville High School seniors who aspire to pursue careers in STEM. Our selection process ensures that recipients are committed to academic excellence, with a minimum GPA of 3.5. We prioritize candidates who have been accepted for enrollment in a 4-year university.
2023 Recipients
Dahlia Barranco​
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Dahlia Barranco attends the University of California, Santa Barbara pursuing a Marine Science degree. Growing up on the coast developed her love for marine life and ecosystem conservation.
Before participating in educational programs through the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Dahlia didn't find science interesting because she didn't believe she was capable of pursuing a career in this field. However, after meeting a diverse group of people in science, including women, people of color, and those who identified with the LGBTQ+ community, she saw a reflection of herself. She hopes to become a marine scientist while both conserving the ocean and representing people who identify similarly to her.
Rachelle Pastor-Juarez
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Rachelle Pastor-Juarez is a first-generation Latinx student and attends the University of California, Los Angeles.
She is majoring in Biology in hopes of becoming a cardiologist. Living with agricultural parents made her passionate about pursuing leadership roles and promoting mental health in her community. During her free time, she enjoys sketching and playing her guitar. She is thrilled to step out of her comfort zone and take action to help her community.
Tajin Olivas-Heredia
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Tajin Olivas-Heredia attends the University of California, San Diego. He plans to pursue a major in Public Health with a focus on pre-health sciences. His career goals are to provide Primary Care and Health Care Administration to reduce healthcare disparities in our local community.
Throughout his high school career at Watsonville High School, he excelled in sports including WHS Boys Varsity Basketball and Track and Field. He has also participated in the Ivy League Project and Data in Geosciences Summer Research and Science Exploration Collaborative. He enjoys sports, travel, and spending time with friends and family.
2022 Recipients
Yaviana Prado
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Yaviana is currently attending University of California, San Diego. She is majoring in Human Biology and on the Pre-Med route with hopes to be an ob-gyn or a labor delivery nurse. She has always been interested in improving women's health and being able to represent her fellow queer, first generation Latinx peers.
In her free time she loves traveling to new places, trying new foods and exploring all things new. She is excited to further her education and continue stepping out of her comfort zone.
Danna Marquez ​
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​Danna is attending Cabrillo College and works as an elementary school after-school teacher. She says it can be a stressful, but a rewarding job. Danna has realized she wants to keep working with kids in the future, perhaps in pediatrics. When she’s not working or doing homework, she spends as much time as she can with her loved ones.
2021 Recipients
Layla Ruiz
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Layla Ruiz graduated from WHS in 2021 and currently attends UCLA pursuing a major in Biology. She is currently on the Pre-Med track and hopes to become an Obstetrician & Gynecologist. Her entire life she has loved activism, sports, and nature. At UCLA she continues to run Track & Field and participate in clubs such as Bruinecessities, which helps provide basic hygiene needs to students, and Days For Girls that works to destigmatize menstruation along with creating reusable sustainable pads for menstruators to help prevent period poverty in developing countries.
Celeste Medina-Seymoure
Celeste Medina-Seymoure graduated from Watsonville High School in 2021 and has now started her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at UCLA.
Ever since she was young she has been passionate about theater, volunteering, and chemistry, which she equates to magic. In her free time she enjoys exploring new cities and swimming as much as possible.