Sixty-eight local students in Salinas celebrated receiving scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000, marking a significant milestone in their educational journey.
Keyri Rodriguez expressed her gratitude, saying, “This is, like, really special for me because, I come from, like, a family that couldn’t afford, like, me going to university, and it feels really nice to have, like, a community that supports you and, like, you know, you’re not alone and that you actually have a chance to pursue your dreams.”
The Salinas chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) presented more than $45,000 in scholarships Saturday morning at Hartnell College.
Chris Barrera, president of Salinas LULAC, explained the organization’s role, saying, “We’re a national civil rights organization. We respond to the community members of the community with complaints regarding civil rights issues. With the police department, school boards, domestic violence, health, housing, everything under the sun.”
The scholarships are primarily funded by the Salinas LULAC’s Black and White Scholarship Fundraiser.
Recipients expressed their honor in being recognized by such an organization.
Zandra Jo Galván, superintendent of SUHSD, emphasized the broader significance of the recognition, stating, “It’s more than just recognizing their academic excellence. It’s about recognizing their ancestors, recognizing their parents for their sacrifices.”
LULAC Council 2055 has been supporting students in Salinas for decades, aiming to invest in the next generation of leaders.
Barrera highlighted the importance of these students, saying, “They’re our future leaders. They are what Salinas represents. And, a lot of them plan on getting educated and coming back and giving back and making our city better than it already is right now.”
With the fall semester approaching, these students walk away with a head start and a reminder that they are not alone in their journey.
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