Paso Robles High School Senior Class of 2026 earn nearly $1 million in scholarships

By Hayley Mattson · Wed Jun 03 2026

Valedictorian and salutatorian both headed to UCLA as dozens of students receive community-backed scholarships and military education benefits

PASO ROBLES — Paso Robles High School seniors were celebrated Wednesday evening for their academic achievements, leadership, service and future aspirations during the school’s annual Scholarship Awards Night, where members of the Class of 2026 received nearly $1 million in scholarships and education benefits.

In total, 70 graduating seniors earned a combined $976,548 in scholarships and education funding, reflecting the deep investment local organizations, businesses, memorial foundations and community members continue to make in the future of North County students.

The total included $358,800 in scholarships awarded through dozens of local and regional organizations, as well as $617,748 in Montgomery GI Bill education benefits awarded to three graduating seniors pursuing military service and higher education opportunities.

The evening served not only as a recognition of academic accomplishment, but also as a testament to the strong support system surrounding Paso Robles students as they prepare for college, career training and military service.

“Scholarship Awards Night is one of the most meaningful celebrations of the year because it highlights both the accomplishments of our students and the remarkable generosity of our community,” Paso Robles High School Principal Michael Susank said. “Every scholarship represents someone who believes in these students and wants to help them pursue their goals. We are incredibly grateful to the many organizations and individuals who continue to invest in the future of our graduates.”

Among the evening’s most significant contributors was The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County, which awarded $80,450 in scholarships to Paso Robles High School seniors.

Scholarships were awarded based on a wide range of criteria, including academic achievement, leadership, community service, perseverance, career readiness, agricultural involvement, athletics, attendance, and commitment to future goals. Students were selected by sponsoring organizations whose missions align with the values and accomplishments represented by each recipient.

The long list of scholarship sponsors highlighted the collaborative spirit of the Paso Robles community and included organizations such as AgWest Farm Credit, the American Association of University Women, Bearcats in Business, Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, Paso Robles Pickleball, Rotary Club of Paso Robles, SkillsUSA Chapter 211, Travel Paso, Vineyard Team, the Paso Robles Housing Authority and numerous memorial scholarship foundations honoring local residents and alumni.

The event also recognized this year’s top academic honorees for the Paso Robles High School Class of 2026.

Kingston Anguiano was named valedictorian after earning a weighted grade point average of 4.84, while Quinn Kobayashi earned salutatorian honors with a weighted GPA of 4.81.

Both students plan to attend UCLA in the fall.

Anguiano will study environmental science while pursuing a minor in business and hopes to continue his athletic involvement through club volleyball. During his time at Paso Robles High School, he completed coursework through Cuesta College while also participating in the school’s Early Childhood Education Career Technical Education pathway.

A highly involved student leader, Anguiano served all four years in Leadership, played on the men’s volleyball team and held the role of senior class secretary on Student Council. He said the relationships he built throughout high school, along with experiences through the Field Studies Collaborative program, played a major role in shaping his educational journey.

Anguiano credits his success to staying open-minded and taking advantage of every opportunity available to him throughout high school.

Kobayashi, who plans to major in business economics with a minor in entrepreneurship at UCLA, also distinguished herself both academically and through campus involvement.

She served as senior class vice president and competed on the women’s soccer team, which she described as one of the most meaningful parts of her high school experience because of the close friendships and teamwork it fostered.

Kobayashi said her success came from maintaining a positive mindset and approaching challenges with confidence and determination.

Susank said both students embody the qualities that define the graduating class.

“Kingston and Quinn have each distinguished themselves through extraordinary academic achievement while remaining actively involved in student life,” Susank said. “They represent the very best of what it means to be a Bearcat, and we are excited to see the impact they will make as they begin the next chapter of their educational journeys.”

The Paso Robles Joint Unified School District also congratulated both students on their accomplishments and future plans.

Beyond the recognition of top academic honors, the evening underscored the importance of community support in helping students pursue higher education and career opportunities at a time when college costs continue to rise nationwide.

Many of the scholarships awarded during the ceremony were created in memory of local residents, educators, military veterans and community leaders whose families and organizations continue to honor their legacies by investing in local students.

Others reflected the unique industries and values of the Paso Robles region, including agriculture, winegrape growing, aviation, hospitality, education and public service.

The Montgomery GI Bill education benefits awarded to graduating seniors pursuing military service represented another significant pathway available to students after graduation, highlighting the diverse futures members of the Class of 2026 are preparing to pursue.

As graduation season continues across San Luis Obispo County, Paso Robles High School’s Scholarship Awards Night served as a reminder of the strong community partnerships that help students move forward into adulthood with encouragement, opportunity and support.

For the Class of 2026, the nearly $1 million awarded represents far more than financial assistance — it symbolizes the confidence an entire community has placed in the next generation of Bearcats.