Local students interested in pursuing a career in cosmetology have a unique opportunity to obtain scholarships thanks to local resident Antoinette Paulino and her mother. Originally from Antioch, Paulino moved to Alameda 16 years ago and discovered “a wonderful and giving community and thought I could contribute by giving back.” Paulino credits her mother with teaching her the importance of helping others.

It is through the memory of her mother, Sue Bertolani, that the scholarship was created. As a professional hair stylist, Bertolani served her hometown of Antioch for 30 years. She received her licensing training and prepared for the California Board of Cosmetology examination at Delta Beauty College in Antioch. She was a gifted stylist serving a beloved clientele that often became her extended family. Her passion was “doing hair” and she believed in the trade education she received. She loved enhancing her clients’ beauty with a great haircuts and styling. The scholarship’s goal is to support another individual in their journey to realize his or her dream in this profession. “I know that my mother would love that,” said Paulino.

For its fifth year, Paulino has brought the Sue Bertolani Memorial Scholarship to Avalon School of Cosmetology in Alameda. This scholarship was originally offered at Delta Beauty College but the school recently closed. Avalon is an accredited school providing the required training curriculum and practical hands-on experience preparation required to take the state board exam and become a California board-certified cosmetologist. Each year a partial scholarship for tuition will be provided to a deserving cosmetology student in Bertolani’s memory.

The annual scholarship is open to all individuals attending or registered to attend Avalon School of Cosmetology. Applicants will be required to fill out an application and finalists will be interviewed. The individual(s) showing the most personal drive, charitable actions and commitment to the field of cosmetology will receive the award.

Tuition cost for the cosmetology program at Avalon School of Cosmetology is approximately $21,000. To help raise these funds, the community is asked to support Sue’s Memorial Scholarship Fund at www.gofundme.com/SueBertolaniMemorial.