.png)
The mission of Vecinos de South Pasadena is to bring together Latinos and non-Latinos alike to form a stronger community in the city of South Pasadena, while sharing the richness of Latino culture.
A core value of the organization is education, and the group awards scholarships annually for graduating high school seniors entering post-secondary education.
This year Vecinos de South Pasadena awarded 3 scholarships to graduating seniors based on both merit and financial need. This year’s recently awarded scholarships will be dispersed to the following deserving South Pasadena students:
$2,500 Award to each:
Alexander Parra
Anthony Uriarte
$1,000 Award:
Evelyn Valencia
Alex Parra is a South Pasadena High School graduate who excels in both academics and athletics. During the recent school year Alex was the webmaster for Tiger Newspaper online and also represented California in the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference where he competed in computer programming. In his academics Alex maintained high grades while taking a number of challenging Advanced Placement courses. He is also a cross country runner and Eagle Scout. Alex Parra will enter UC Berkeley in the fall to study Computer Science.
Graduating South Pasadena High School senior Anthony Uriarte has always made an effort to befriend and encourage other Latino students. Anthony studied hard – having achieved the Honor Roll every year in High School. He also found time to volunteer as a Senior Companion at the Sunrise Senior Center while competing as a cross country runner. Anthony also interned at Priority One Credit Union in South Pasadena where he developed a love of finance. This outstanding individual will attend New York University’s prestigious Stern School of Business where he aspires to gain experience and land a job on Wall Street. According to Anthony, “The day I found out that I was accepted into New York University was one of the most joyful and exciting days ever.”
Evelyn Valencia has distinguished herself through participation in the Hathaway Youth Leadership program. Through this organization Evelyn gave back to disadvantaged Latinos in Highland Park. She has also helped feed homeless families in Pasadena. Evelyn also contributed during her time at South Pasadena High School as a manager with the football team. Evelyn’s current goals are to attend Pasadena Community College for two years and then transfer to a UC. She envisions obtaining a degree in Business. This is made all the more remarkable when one realizes that Evelyn is the first member of her family to have ever graduated from high school and go on to college. Ms. Valencia summed up her future this way, “I am very proud to be Latina and I want people to see the importance of the Latino community.”
Congratulations to these amazing South Pasadena students. We all wish them well as they pursue their bright futures.
