2010 Hispanic Achievement Awardees
Noticias from Conexiones
New!
For the first time in the history of Conexiones, all awardees received a modest monetary award. With your continuing support, we can make this a new tradition.
Conexiones now offers the option to donate electronically – just go to www.conexioneshc.org and click on the Donate link. Your donations help support the Conexiones annual awards.
2010 Hispanic Achievement Awards
On May 19, Conexiones recognized 49 graduating seniors at the 9th annual Hispanic Student Achievement Awards at Long Reach High School. The event celebrated the students for their academic achievements, personal triumphs, and community involvement. Two of the students received special awards, the Feli Solá-Carter Leadership Award and the Dr. Henry P. Rosas Memorial Scholarship.
Conexiones President Feli Solá-Carter kicked off the evening thanking the students, their families, and the many representatives from state and county government, as well as the Howard County School System.
Founder Dr. Murray Simon thanked everyone who has followed Conexiones from the start, as well as those who have recently joined the community. “Conexiones started with the idea that all children have the spark to learn and have the ability to graduate from high school and go on to bigger things,” he said. “I believe that if given the opportunity, you will make it and be a proud individual, to yourself, to your parents, and to the community.”
Student awardee Juan Marulanda read his application essay, “Immigration, Times, Am I My Own Hero?” In the essay he explains how the experience of immigration has made him a truly multicultural person. He believes immigration can break down the barriers between races and cultures to help people be more accepting of others. [Read the full text of his essay here.]
Keynote speaker Ernesto Garcia, a senior public affairs specialist for the Social Security Administration, shared a moving story about his very difficult childhood and how he overcame it. He credits his success to family support and an educational opportunity he was wise enough to seize. Garcia encouraged the students to follow all of their dreams, to not forget their personal goals as they pursue their professional aspirations.
Conexiones Board Member David Rodriguez presented the awards, with the help of Dr. Sydney L. Cousin, Superintendent, Howard County Public School System, and Mrs. Ellen Flynn Giles, Chair, Board of Education.
Following awardee Karen Leibowitz’s violin solo and closing remarks by Solá-Carter, attendees enjoyed a reception staffed by several Conexiones member volunteers.
Save the date!!!! More “Café, Cultura, y Mucho Azucar” on October 15, 2010!!!
