Omega Nu Santa Cruz awarded college and vocational scholarships to 31 students from Santa Cruz County high schools recently, with $118,000 granted to both new and renewal scholarships.

The scholarships were awarded during a Scholarship Reception for the students and their families at the Harvey West Park Clubhouse on May 27. Students introduced themselves and shared the school they will be attending plus their plans for their studies in the fall.

The 31 scholarships were awarded to: Jeena Dang, Arianna Hissom, Kaden Kusiak, Audrey Liu, Margaret Machado, Nancy Molina, Jasielle Perez, Brijitte Plascencia, Grey Shingu and Noah Victory of Aptos High School; Olivia Castillo, Fabiola Fernandez, Gina Guzman, Hannia Reyes-Alcarez and Johanthan Martinez Sigala of Cabrillo Community College; Devon Harris of Costanoa; Savannah Garcia, and Serena Manildi of Harbor High School; Nastasha Kondrant of Pacific Coast High School; Julia Linares Cabrera, Che Castro, Maeve Golliher, Rowan Schai Helmold and Madeline McGrath of Santa Cruz High; James Dahlen, Axel Eckerman, Abigail Gabrielson and Andrea Oropeza of San Lorenzo Valley High School; Leelu Avila-Mifflin and Sage Silver of Soquel High School; and Laurel Kraft of Scotts Valley High School.

Omega Nu scholarships benefit high school seniors who will attend public California universities, colleges or vocational schools and are based on both financial need and scholastic achievement. Omega Nu of Santa Cruz is an entirely volunteer group of more than 50 women that raise money to provide vocational and college scholarships, support to charities and community services and grants to public elementary and middle school teachers for classroom materials. Omega Nu’s 36th annual Ducky Derby will be held at Harvey West Park on April 25, 2026.

To learn about Omega Nu Santa Cruz, email omeganusc@gmail.com or visit duckyderbysantacruz.org.

Dream Inn Santa Cruz announces new director of sales and marketingDream Inn Santa Cruz announced the appointment of Lydia Bates as its new director of sales and marketing. Bates brings more than two decades of hospitality leadership experience to the role.

A graduate of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Bates has held senior leadership positions at several notable properties, including Hotel San Luis Obispo, Inns of Monterey and Chaminade Resort & Spa in Santa Cruz. During her tenure at the Resort at Squaw Creek, she earned multiple accolades, including Destination Hotels & Resorts’ Chairman’s Club and President’s Club awards, recognizing her as a top sales producer.

“Lydia is a highly respected leader whose reputation and expertise are widely recognized throughout the hospitality industry,” said Darren Pound, vice president and general manager of Dream Inn Santa Cruz, in a statement. “Her deep understanding of the California hospitality market, combined with her passion for authentic guest experiences, makes her an ideal leader to guide our sales and marketing efforts as we continue to grow our presence in the region.”

In her new role, Bates will oversee all sales and marketing initiatives, including group and leisure sales, brand partnerships and digital strategy. She will also play a key role in community engagement.

Omega Nu announces new board members

Omega Nu’s annual installation of board members was held in June at Stockwell Cellars in Santa Cruz. The new board members for 2025-2026 include Michele Costa, president; April Lambert, parliamentarian and vice president; Gillian Westbrook, treasurer; Vicky Granger-Jones, scholarship chair; Stephanie Lusk Muccia, charity chair; Tiffany Verbica, publicity chair; Kate Deaver, recording secretary; Nancy Ross, corresponding secretary; and Hallie Anzalone, guard.

Omega Nu of Santa Cruz is an entirely volunteer group of more than 50 women that hosts the annual Ducky Derby fundraiser to benefit the community.