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DEL MAR, CA — The Don Diego Fund will award four scholarships to local high school seniors who have been involved in the San Diego County Fair.

Each scholarship is $5,000. Scholarships will be awarded to one 4-H member; one FFA member; one former employee of the Del Mar Fairgrounds or the San Diego County Fair; and a student who has exhibited at the Fair, Fairgrounds or Horsepark. Applications are being accepted now through April 1 and are available on the Fairgrounds Web site (link is below).

The Don Diego Fund provides financial support for deserving San Diego County college-bound students. The fund was formed in 1986 as a lasting tribute to Tom Hernandez, who, in the role of Don Diego, was the legendary host of the San Diego County Fair from 1947 until his death in 1984. In his memory, the Don Diego Fund was created to provide college scholarships for outstanding San Diego County high school students who have participated in the annual San Diego County Fair or other events associated with the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Since the first scholarships were awarded in 1986, The Don Diego Fund has distributed $492,000 in scholarships and grants and has helped 116 students pursue a college degree. In 2009, The Don Diego Fund will award approximately $25,000 in scholarships and grants.

To be eligible for scholarship consideration, applicants must have participated in the San Diego County Fair or other events at the Del Mar Fairgrounds prior to this year and anticipate graduating no later than June 2009. Applications for the scholarships provided by The Don Diego Fund must be accompanied by a certified copy of high school transcript and postmarked on or before April 1, 2009.

In addition to participation in the San Diego County Fair, Don Diego Scholarship winners demonstrate the talent for organization, leadership, innovation, and make a valuable contribution to the community through participation in the Fair, their school, and extracurricular activities. Scholarships are not awarded on financial need alone. The scholarships may be used at a two- or four-year college or university.

For additional information and to download an application, please see the Don Diego Fund page in the About Us section of this Web site. To request an application form by mail, call (858) 755-1161, ext. 2401.