Our Story

Humble Beginnings

MAEGA began in 1970 from a heartfelt encounter between our founder, Mr. Don Lapham,

and a young man named Francisco Enriquez. Asking about plans after high school, Mr. Lapham

learned Mr. Enriquez’s  intention was to enter the workforce to support his family. Higher

education wasn’t a consideration. Mr. Lapham wanted to help change that.

Lapham Family Potrait

Don & Mary Lapham

Early Leadership

Our Founders and early leaders from the community, local businesses and educators who made MAEGA possible.

Mr. Don Lapham

MAEGA Founder

Mr. Michael Breen

Superintendent, Solana Beach Elementary School District

Ms. Catalina Gonzalez

Owner, Tony’s Jacal Restaurant

Mr. George Kibby

Superintendent, San Dieguito Union High School District

Mr. Theodore Gildred

Mr. Theodore Gildred

Developer, Lomas Santa Fe Housing Community

Building MAEGA

Fueled by their meeting, Mr. Lapham became determined to break the cycle of poverty that was hindering promising students like Francisco Enriquez.

Mr. Lapham rallied local leaders, business figures, and educators to establish a scholarship program to empower deserving high school seniors of Mexican descent in the San Dieguito Union High School District. 

Legacy Today

Today, over 54 years later, the legacy continues. 

Nearly half of our yearly donations are from MAEGA alumni and 100% of all donations are awarded to our students.

Additional to the financial support, we’re proud of the legacy of people who continued with MAEGA.

42% of our board are MAEGA Alumni, including our President, Anna and Mr. Lapham’s son, Richard.

Meet The Board

  • Anna Vallez (Alumna)

    Anna Vallez (Alumna)

    President, Scholarships, Alumni, Donor Relations

  • Lenette Posada Howard

    Vice President, Recording Secretary

  • Renzo Elias

    Renzo Elias (Alumni)

    Treasurer

  • Gaby B. Love (Alumna)

    Recording Secretary

  • Omar Canseco (Alumni)

    Scholarships Chair

  • Lilian Cereghini

    Lilian Cereghini

    Scholarships Committee

  • Linda Grensted

    Linda Grensted

    Scholarships Committee

  • Estel Camarena (Alumna)

    Scholarships, Wine Festival Liaison

  • Veronica Meija

    Mailings, Deposits, Acknowledgment Emails & Letters

  • Richard Lapham

    Richard Lapham (Alumni)

    Don Lapham Dinner

  • Arturo Vasquez

    Arturo Vasquez

    Liaison for Wine Festival, Don Lapham Dinner

  • Gloria Castellanos

    Gloria Castellanos (Alumna)

    Scholarship Committee & Special Events

  • Astrid Gonzales (Alumna)

    Astrid Gonzales (Alumna)

    Marketing/Social Media & Alumna

  • Rachelle Law

    Rachelle Law

    Scholarships Chair

  • Eduardo J. Aguilar (Alumni)

    Eduardo J. Aguilar (Alumni)

    Volunteer

Advisory Board

  • Richard Del Val (Alumni)

    Alumni Outreach

  • Claudia Del Val (Alumna)

    Alumni Outreach

  • Nicole Zuniga (Alumna)

    Alumni Outreach

Alumni

Celebrating 50+ years of awarding scholarships to latine students has afforded MAEGA the privilege of fostering a global network of alumni.

Are you a MAEGA Alumni? Join our community and share the MAEGA impact!

I'm an Alumni