DIXON, CA (MPG) - Thousands of dollars are given away each year to deserving Dixon graduates to help pay for their college. For many years, clubs and organizations have volunteered and worked hours to have successful fundraisers so that they could see their monies pass onto aspiring young Dixonites.

There’s no reason in the world Annabel Rubio, shouldn’t have been included in the quest for those awards. Except, her paperwork got set aside and wasn’t e-mailed out to the 30 clubs and organizations that do the awarding.

In the past, Dixon High School counselors and staff have done the necessary coordinating—and sometimes coaching students to get their plans solidified and paperwork in. This year, the Pandemic changed the face-to-face tasks of one Marie Torres to lots and lots of emails. It’s a miracle more than one scholarship application didn’t get lost in the flood of emails but only one did-- and it belonged to the girl who carried a 4.3 GPA, who was ranked 4^th in her class, who is already enrolled in Cal Berkeley’s pre-med program, and who will be the first in her family to get a degree.

Annabel grew up watching television shows like Grey’s Anatomy and medical videos like Chubbyemu on YouTube videos. In her freshman year, she took Geometry at Solano College.  The following year she took Computer Science and later US History also at Solano College, all while playing in the Dixon High School Band, competing on the swim team and being involved in the Rotary Interact and ‘Girls Who Code’ clubs.

The term Geek, however, doesn’t fit. This blonde-haired, greenish-blue eyed young woman is easy to talk to and fast to humor. Her youth glows in her eyes and she exudes a sense of gentle confidence. 

“I have a love for learning and I have found ways to make learning fun,” she said. She used to host study groups and remembers using Sponge Bob to explain cellular respiration. (This reporter does not know what that is.) 

She appears relaxed when saying this: “It’s just the way my brain works. I’m a huge math person and I’m the family tech support. I like to make the topic connected to humor.” She used a lot of that while tutoring younger students in her junior and senior year.

Annabel attributes her favorite AP Biology teacher, now retired Angela West, for waking her interest up to genetics saying that she “loved” that class. She also gives kudos to her mother, Jill, for nurturing her passion for learning. 

“If it weren’t for my mother’s sacrifice of being a stay-at-home mom, I don’t think I would be the person I am today,” she said. “She has provided me all the tools necessary to go out into the world and flourish mentally, physically, and emotionally.” Her parents are her “best friends” and siblings are close.

One would not know she had been bullied in fourth grade.                           

“My mom stood up for me and taught me how to stand up for myself,” she said. “I am more resilient now and learned to use my voice.”

She was confident—and very hopeful—that out of the 19 applications she filled out for the DHS scholarships that she’d get at least a couple. But when her grandfather, Ray McCluskey who serves on the Rotary Club Board—and who knew his granddaughter applied for their scholarship—learned that there would be no recipient, he called the nominating committee and discovered they had not received Annabel’s packet.

It was the day before the DHS Graduation Parade and everyone should have been focused on ‘happy,’ but a flurry of phone calls had to be made and the worst case was proved. Not a single club got her packet. It had been accidentally left out of the email thread sent to the clubs and organizations.

“It was our error and we own it,” said a remorseful sounding Stephanie Marquez, Principal. “We weren’t even aware she had missed one until the call came. Annabel is a fantastic student and we care deeply about her and we don’t want this to get in the way of her future.” The school immediately forwarded her packet out to all the clubs but it was too late as all of them had already selected their winners.

Annabel and her family were devastated. 

“Her school is $37,000 a year and with all the expenses, we could use every penny,” said Jill Rubio.

“On top of a global pandemic, this was the icing on the cake,” said Annabel. “I had even emailed [the counselors office] to double check and confirm we had everything. My mom and I were so frustrated. I applied for 19 scholarships and I was even the President of [Rotary] Interact Club.” Calls were made to the District office but no help has been offered.

Through the goodness of the Rotarians who pooled some appreciated donations, and through the Malcom Timm Scholarship, Annabel will take calculus and chemistry—part of a full load--this fall which will be offered online to her at home due to COVID-19.