Introducing Arianna Cortez: 2025 Recipient of the Christopher Wellington Moore Memorial Scholarship
As the 2024–2025 school year comes to a close, we are proud to announce this year’s recipient of the Christopher Wellington Moore Memorial Scholarship: Arianna Cortez, an exceptional graduating senior from Oakland High School in Oakland, California.
The scholarship committee selects one student who exemplifies academic achievement, artistic dedication, and a commitment to using their gifts in service of others. The award—up to $20,000—is intended to support students pursuing higher education with a focus on music and/or education. Arianna embodies these values wholeheartedly.
A lifelong musician, Arianna first picked up a violin in fourth grade and hasn’t looked back since. Her dedication to music extended beyond the orchestra pit and into the spotlight as she took part in several musical theater productions, bringing stories to life! Her love of music became not just a creative outlet but a source of confidence and community.
But Arianna’s journey has not been without its challenges. She once struggled to speak—a difficulty that profoundly shaped both her academic path and her personal mission. Inspired to learn and develop her communications skills, Arianna has chosen to pursue a four-year degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, with the goal of becoming a speech-language pathologist herself.
Receiving the Christopher Moore Memorial Scholarship means more than financial support—it’s a reflection of how far I’ve come and how far I’m determined to go. As someone who once struggled to speak, I now dream of becoming the person who helps others find their voice. This award gives me the opportunity to give back to the system that supported me, and to advocate for students who deserve to be heard, understood, and encouraged.uote from student — Arianna, 2025 Scholarship Recipient
Arianna’s story reminds us of the power of perseverance, purpose, and the incredible impact that educators and mentors can have on a young person’s life. Her future work as a speech-language pathologist will not only honor the support she once received, but will help ensure that future generations of children are given the tools—and the voice—they need to succeed.
The Christopher Wellington Moore Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to honor the legacy of a young man named Christopher who demonstrated a deep love for music, baseball (especially the Oakland A’s) and the outdoors. His mother, Camille Moore, and his grandmother, Aline Lewis Wellington, were both educators, and Christopher well understood the value of education youth. We are confident that Arianna will carry forward that legacy with integrity, compassion, and courage.
Congratulations, Arianna, we are so proud to support you on your journey!
