West Coast Chapter
The West Coast Chapter advances the CSF’s missions by supporting exceptional students and fostering a love of learning.
Through Carson Scholarships and the continued expansion of Ben Carson/Think Big Reading Rooms throughout Southern California, the chapter helps create opportunities for young people to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
This chapter serves Southern California and the greater West Coast.
The Gagon Legacy
Driven by dreams of opportunity, Eleni Bukuvalas and Wolfgang Gagon left their respective countries in post-World War II Europe to start a new life in America. The beauty and climate of California drew them to San Diego where they met and built a loving and prosperous marriage based on hard work and sacrifice. Educators by profession, they always found time to encourage, inspire, and help others. Over the course of their lives, the Gagons amassed a substantial real estate portfolio and stimulated revitalization in their beloved city of San Diego. The Carson Scholars Fund is honored that the greatest part of the estate that Eleni and Wolfgang worked so hard to create was set aside for furthering education through the youth missions executed by the Carson Scholars Fund. This represents the largest gift in the history of CSF. The selfless spirits of Eleni and Wolfgang Gagon will continue through the mentoring of deserving children of California, and of San Diego in particular, for many years to come.
Regional Spotlights
Addison Hill
2026: A graduate of Oakwood School in North Hollywood, California, Addison served as a student panelist for his…
Grace Fogel
Grace Fogel was born and raised in Southern California and graduated from USC in 2021 with an undergraduate…
Gitanjali Rao
Gitanjali Rao, a 4-time Carson Scholar and TIME’s first-ever Kid of the Year, is an internationally recognized young…
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