Our 2011 Scholarship Recipients

Estrella Perez graduated from Travis High School with a 2.85 GPA, despite not being able to speak English when she immigrated to America as an elementary school student and while working 30-40 hours per week at a restaurant as a high school student. She will be the first of her family to earn a high school diploma. One of her proudest accomplishments is graduating with perfect attendance throughout her high school career.

Melissa volunteers her time at a community resource center doing projects such as giving computer help to those in need. In her interview she spoke of "wanting to bridge the digital divide" that separates the less fortunate in the community. She plans on studying computer science and business management at Metro State College of Denver.

Beatriz is a very determined young lady who sets her goals high while also thinking practically about how to best achieve her goals. Coming to the United States at the age of 17 and starting High School was not easy, and her inability to speak English and working thirty to forty hours a week to provide for her family only made her life that much more challenging. However, four years later and Beatriz is fluent in English and moving on to pursue her college education. Beatriz will be starting University at Los Angeles City College, close to both her home and job, in the fall and plans to transfer to a four year University after her first two years.

Hamda and her family of 10 arrived in the US 5 years ago from Somalia, speaking no English and ready to start their new life. She entered high school and was performing at the top of her class. She wants to become a pediatrician and help her community who cannot afford healthcare as well as provide medical support to those in her home country of Somalia. Hamda plans to attend Portland State in the fall and will be the first in her family to attend college. She hopes to set the standard for her younger siblings.

Allan has overcome many significant challenges in his life and is mature beyond his years. With his mother, Allan fled Guatemala because of his abusive father. They reluctantly left their sister behind, but after a couple years, by working two jobs, his mom was able to reunite the family. However, not long after, Allan was kidnapped by his father and taken back to Guatemala. For two years, he lived in the hostile environment until finally he escaped with his cousin. After crossing the border, they were apprehended by Immigration police. After pleaing asylum, Allan had to take on jobs where he was paid below minimum wage due to his illegal status in order to support his family and pay legal fees. Despite all these obstacles, Allan never forgot the importance of education. He was brave enough to share his story with teachers and has since been able to improve his grades and receive much needed support. Allan aspires to major in Political Science in college so that he may one day become a lawyer and advocate for others in similar conditions.

Veronica is a very brave and determined young woman who knew that education was her key to a better future. At the age of 15 she made the fearless decision to leave her family and everything she knew to come to Washington and live with her sister. Unfortunately Veronica’s sister has been sick so even at the young age of 15 Veronica had to get a job and help support them both, all while trying to learn English and go to school. Veronica’s fortitude has allowed her to succeed, becoming student of the month on four different occasions, being President of the Latino Club, as well as maintaining a 3.17 GPA. Her dream is to become a pediatrician and have a career that allows her to give back to her community. Veronica will be attending Seattle Central Community College in the fall.