LYNN — The Lynn Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Inc. celebrated its 27th year of giving scholarships to local, community-driven Hispanic students.
On Friday evening, 12 students received scholarships of about $1,500 each, which were made possible by a large number of donations from local businesses around the city. The students were honored at the fund’s annual gala in a packed ballroom at the Franco-American VFW with many local officials and administrators in attendance.
“This was started in 1992 by a few people in the community, one of them being my mom, who wanted to help the young, talented kids in our community get to college,” said Vicky Rivera, Lynn Hispanic Scholarship Fund vice president. “The funds to get them there weren’t so accessible, so all they wanted to do is help and all we want to do is keep up with their tradition.”
There were more than 40 students who applied to receive a scholarship this year and only 12 were chosen by the fund’s selection committee. The application requirements included a written essay, a submission of their grades, and at least one letter of recommendation.
“I read the essays first, then I look at their grades, and then I go through their letters of recommendation, which usually give the best insight into the child’s authentic self, and their community involvement,” said Gina O’Toole, one of the members of the selection committee.
The Lynn English High School seniors chosen were Alex Rodriguez, Lesliy Mercedes, Emily Hurtado, and Olga Hernandez. The chosen seniors from Lynn Classical were Josue Blas, Diana Aquino, Dianjenis Abreu, and Karla Abad, who began the event by singing the national anthem. Amanda Melo, Sara Melara, and Noelani Garcia were the seniors chosen from Lynn Tech and Brenda Torres was the only chosen senior from KIPP Academy.
The selected students were in for a surprise when they were told the Boston Red Sox Foundation gave each of them VIP tickets to the June 27 game against the Los Angeles Angels.
Laura Sanchez, president of the Lynn Hispanic Scholarship Fund, started her speech by asking all attendees to participate in a moment of silence in wake of the Santa Fe High School shooting in Texas Friday morning. She then introduced Mayor Thomas M. McGee, Lynn’s newest superintendent, Patrick Tutweiler, and keynote speakers Elizabeth Gervacio and Laura Luna to congratulate the scholarship recipients.
“We are living in sad times, but we are here to celebrate something very positive tonight,” said Sanchez.
