Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern California (RMHCNC) and local Northern California McDonald’s restaurants recognized nearly 150 exceptional high school seniors, who received more than $170,000 in college scholarships on Saturday, June 18, 2011, at the West Steps of the California State Capitol.

Local community leaders, students, and their families attended to honor these exceptional students. Assembly members Jim Nielsen and Roger Dickinson, Yuba City Council member Leslie McBride, KFBK reporter Rob McAllister, Univision’s Viviana Paez, and KCRA news anchor Deirdre Fitzpatrick spoke at this year's ceremony.

Steve Ramirez, a local McDonald’s restaurant owner from Elk Grove, California was master of ceremonies for this year's event. “I am thrilled to be a part of this wonderful program recognizing the academic achievements of these students, who will be awarded scholarships of at least $1,000 this year,” Ramirez says. “The local McDonald’s restaurants and Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern California are proud to work in partnership with members of the business community to provide these scholarships to incredible students.”

Several community organizations and businesses, in partnership with RMHCNC, have been providing college scholarships to local high school seniors in a graduation-like celebration for more than 15 years. RMHCNC began its support of scholarship programs in 1985, by committing $50,000 toward the first scholarships awarded through the Hispanic American Commitment to Educational Resources (HACER) program.

In 2001, the RMHC/ASIA (Asian Students Increasing Achievement) and RMHC African American Future Achievers Scholarships began. In 2005, RMHC broadened the scope of its national scholarship program. Students of all cultural backgrounds are eligible to apply for the RMHC National Scholarship Program.

Since that time, with the help of community partners, RMHCNC has given more than $1.5 million in scholarships to Northern California high school seniors.