Annual Carmen Solis-Pratt Scholarship Awarded

Darnell Buford is not your average student - she’s dedicated, hard-working and teachable. All of which are remarkable feats, especially for a mother of seven.

In 1982, Buford graduated from high school with a 4.0 grade point average but her life took a few unfortunate turns. “I had hopes and dreams,” she said, “but somewhere I made a wrong choice and I couldn’t seem to find my way back.”

Due to her hard work, and the support of those who love her, Buford is now attending Cerritos College , getting back on her feet and pursuing her passions.  She is enrolled in several computer and science courses and hopes to become a medical claims biller.

The Carmen Solis-Pratt scholarship was established in honor and memory of Carmen Solis Pratt, mother of the Honorable Dan Pratt, a Cerritos College Foundation board member.

“My mom loved education, and each year I really try to pick someone whom this scholarship is really going to impact. [Darnell] has overcome a lot, and I hope this scholarship helps her in her future,” Judge Pratt said.

This scholarship is annually awarded to a re-entry student, male or female, 35 years of age or older.

This year Buford will receive an additional bonus due to the generosity of Richard Verches, another Foundation board member. Verches has agreed to match all of the scholarships currently being awarded by the Foundation, bringing Buford’s scholarship total to $2,400 - or $1,200 a semester.

Together Pratt, Verches and the Cerritos College Foundation applaud Buford on her hard work and dedication and they wish her luck as she continues to pursue her studies and overcome incredible odds.