Omni Family Health Awards $20,000 in Scholarships to Outstanding Students Pursuing Careers in Healthcare
Bakersfield, California – June 1, 2026
Omni Family Health, a leading healthcare provider serving Kern, Kings, Tulare, and Fresno counties, is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 scholarship awards, including the Omni Family Health Employee Family Scholarship.
This year, 20 exceptional high school seniors have each been awarded a $1,000 scholarship to support their pursuit of a college education in healthcare-related fields. The recipients include 15 students from communities served by Omni Family Health, as well as five students who are immediate family members of Omni employees. These scholarships reflect Omni’s ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of healthcare professionals and community leaders.
“For over two decades, Omni Family Health has remained committed to investing in our youth and the future of healthcare,” said Francisco L. Castillon, Chief Executive Officer. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year’s graduating seniors. These students have demonstrated remarkable dedication, academic excellence, and a passion for the healthcare field. We are honored to support them as they begin their college journey.”
Since the program began, Omni Family Health has awarded $244,000 in scholarships to 244 high school seniors across the region.
Scholarship recipients were selected through a rigorous review process conducted by the Omni Scholarship Committee, chaired by board member Susan Watkins. Final recommendations were approved by the Omni Family Health Board of Directors.
“At Omni Family Health, we believe that investing in students is an investment in the health and well-being of our communities,” said Watkins. “It was a privilege to help identify such promising individuals, and we look forward to seeing the impact they will make in the years to come.”
Each recipient will be recognized during their respective high school award ceremonies.
Omni Family Health Community Scholarship Recipients
| Student Name | High School |
| Tanvi Thallapalle | Stockdale High School |
| Kaitlyn Bertiz | Bakersfield Christian High School |
| Anna Simone Kesk | Stockdale High School |
| Emireth Garcia Santigo | McFarland High School |
| Justina Shehata | Stockdale High School |
| Jada Lynn Ramos | Cesar E. Chavez High School |
| Abigail Rose Medta | Garces Memorial High School |
| Magdiel Milan Ontiveros | McFarland High School |
| Kermina Rashed | Independence High School |
| Sophia Benevento | El Diamante High School |
| Ava Ortega | Bakersfield Christian High School |
| Lilly Scruggs | Sierra Pacific High School |
| Garacie Dean | Liberty High School |
| Gurleen Toor | Stockdale High School |
| Aiden Duran | Lindsay High School |
Omni Family Health Employee Family Scholarship Recipients
| Student Name | High School |
| Isabelle Addo-Yobo | Stockdale High School |
| Tara Dulcich | Frontier High School |
| Caleb Diaz | Dinuba High School |
| Katherine Bassilious | Stockdale High School |
| Patrick Boggs | Sherman E. Burroughs High School |
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the community scholarship, students must reside in or graduate from a school within Omni Family Health’s service area, demonstrate a strong interest in a healthcare career, graduate in the year of the award, and provide a letter of recommendation.
To be eligible for the employee family scholarship, students must be an immediate family member residing with an Omni Family Health employee, demonstrate a strong interest in a healthcare career, graduate in the year of the award, and provide a letter of recommendation.
About Omni Family Health
Omni Family Health is a growing network of more than 40 health centers serving Kern, Kings, Tulare, and Fresno counties. Since 1978, Omni has provided high-quality primary and preventive healthcare, including medical, dental, and behavioral health services. As a mission-driven organization, Omni ensures access to care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay, caring for nearly 150,000 patients each year.