PEF also awarded the 1st-ever John “JJ” Jackson Memorial Scholarship in honor of the legendary Argus-Courier sports editor.
Petaluma Educational Foundation’s annual scholarship awards reception seems to get bigger every year – and this year’s event, on April 16, was no exception as the foundation handed out more than $300,000 to graduating high school students, shattering its record for total amount granted in a single year.
In a single evening the foundation gave out 446 individual scholarships to 276 seniors graduating from Petaluma-area high schools, bringing its total award amount in scholarships alone to $5,149,009 since 1990.
“PEF proudly supports engaging young minds by providing access to all students at every level across all subject areas, enabling them to be the best they can be,” said Maureen Highland, the foundation’s executive director.
This year the foundation also awarded the first annual John “JJ” Jackson Memorial Scholarship, which gives $500 to a student pursuing journalism or media communications at a 2- or 4-year school. Jackson, a longtime Petaluma Argus-Courier sports editor and a beloved figure in the community, died in 2023 at the age of 77.
The scholarship, which was presented by Argus-Courier columnist and former publisher John Burns, was awarded to Casa Grande High School’s Drew Bugbee.
This year’s total scholarship awards surpassed the previous record of $263,984 awarded last year. The foundation also gave out a record-breaking grant amount of $428,719.
The PEF scholarship program is open to all members of the Class of 2025 attending any of the local high schools – Petaluma, Casa Grande, St. Vincent, San Antonio, Sonoma Mountain, Carpe Diem, Valley Oaks and Headwaters Academy – who are looking to pursue further education at 2- or 4-year colleges, vocational or trade programs after graduation.
The reception, held at Petaluma High School, was attended by local officials including Mayor Kevin McDonnell and Petaluma City Schools district board members Mady Cloud and Ellen Webster.
PEF raises funds from individuals, corporations, foundations, and through its operations at its two Alphabet Soup thrift store locations in downtown Petaluma. The foundation – which manages 94 scholarship funds – says it has now provided more than $10 million in financial support awarded through its grant and scholarship programs since it was founded in 1982.
The foundation also announced the return of its annual PEF Bash, set to take place Sept. 6. The event includes a formal sit-down dinner, a live auction, a private concert and dancing.
“Your sponsorship of the 2025 PEF Bash will ensure that our impact continues to grow, elevating educational opportunities for every student throughout each stage of their academic careers,” Highland said in a statement.
For more on how to support PEF programs, go to pefinfo.com.
Amelia Richardson is a staff writer for the Argus-Courier. She can be reached at amelia.richardson@arguscourier.com or 707-521-5208.
