Claudia K. Salewske Memorial Scholarship

The Claudia K. Salewske Memorial Scholarship supports students from Gilroy Unified School District who are planning to study English, writing, or education at a four-year college or university. The scholarship was established in 2017 by Claudia's husband, Michael Salewske, and daughter, Cassie Salewske, to honor her memory and legacy as an English teacher at Gilroy High School from 1984 to 1998 and Professor of English at San Jose State University from 1998 to 2006. Mrs. Salewske was passionate about teaching, literature, and writing, and cared deeply for her students. She encouraged many of her students to become teachers themselves, and her commitments to education and her community were inspirational. The scholarship fund was established with generous contributions from her family, colleagues, community members, friends, and former students. The scholarship provides up to $3,000 to graduating high school seniors from Gilroy High School, Christopher High School, or Mt. Madonna High School who are accepted to a four-year college or university and plan to pursue studies in English, English Literature, Creative Writing, or elementary/secondary education. Preference is given to outstanding seniors who plan to become teachers or educators.