Daryanna Ceja ’27, center, and the family of Veralene Garrett. Ceja received a scholarship named in honor of Garrett, who for more than 25 years served as a Rape Crisis Counselor for Community Violence Solutions in Contra Costa and Marin counties. / Photo courtesy Daryanna Ceja
Daryanna Ceja ’27 Awarded Veralene Garrett Memorial Scholarship
The Saint Mary’s student was honored for her leadership, dedication, and commitment to her community.
SMC student Daryanna Ceja ’27 was recognized as a scholarship recipient at a recent Community Violence Solutions (CVS) fundraiser held at the Blackhawk Automotive Museum in Danville, California, on November 20. Ceja is a Pre-law student, double-majoring in Politics and Business. The event brought together a large and distinguished audience, including representatives from the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, law enforcement officials, judges, and several former city mayors.
Ceja, who serves as President of the SMC Women’s Rugby team and is a participant in the High Potential Program, received the Veralene Garrett Memorial Scholarship, an award honoring the legacy of Veralene Garrett. For more than 25 years, Veralene Garrett served as a Rape Crisis Counselor for Community Violence Solutions in Contra Costa and Marin counties, working with hospitals and police departments to provide comfort and guidance to victims in crises. To honor and celebrate the impact Veralene made, the Community Violence Solutions Board of Directors established the $2,500 annual scholarship, awarded each year to a college student pursuing a degree in the social sciences and planning to work in a profession focused on public service and helping people in crisis.
Cynthia Peterson, Executive Director of Community Violence Solutions and Paul Graves, Senior Deputy District Attorney and President of the CVS Board of Directors, noted that the selection committee was particularly impressed with Ceja’s scholarship application, highlighting her leadership, dedication, and commitment to her community.
The evening served as both a fundraiser and a celebration of individuals making a meaningful impact, with Daryanna's recognition standing out as a proud moment for Saint Mary's College of California.
