La Luz Center

College Scholarships Available Through La Luz Center

Scholarship applications are now available through La Luz Center for high school students entering college or other higher education programs in the fall. Awards averaging $1,000 each will be granted to students in the class of 2008 who have been enrolled in an English Learners program in one of the Sonoma Valley Unified School District Schools.

The award can be used to pay tuition or other related expenses such as books, lab fees, or living expenses. Decisions will be based on the application, an interview with the scholarship committee and on financial need.

Scholarship Winner Is Making a Difference

Maricarmen Reyes received a La Luz Scholarship when she graduated from Sonoma Valley High in 2000. We knew she would go far and we were right! Mari graduated from Sonoma State in 2005 with a B.A. in Chicano and Latino Studies.

During her college career and since, she has taught migrant students, helped with newcomers’ classes, served on the steering committee for the grassroots community group Nuestra Voz, worked with at-risk youth in Santa Rosa, for La Luz Center and Vineyard Workers Services.

Says Mari, “I have come to love Social Service… and the work of nonprofits.I look forward to being of use to La Luz Center and the community of Sonoma Valley.”

Maricarmen is gathering speed for her next adventure: graduate work for a degree in nonprofit administration. We know that she will achieve anything she aims for and we are especially proud that La Luz helped make that possible.

For more information about La Luz and its services, contact the office at 938-5131.

Giving Hope to Immigrant Youth

2007 Scholarship Winners: Gerardo Guzmán, Osmaira Marquez, (Board members Alejandra Cervantes & Paco Villaseñor) Kelly Aldana, Janet Baron, Gabriel Castellanos, Sandra Guerrera.

“-to start my own architectural firm”

“-to be a voice for my community.”

“-to encourage Latino people to open their own businesses, be their own boss.”

“- to travel to different parts of the world to help those in need.”

These are some of the dreams held by our 2007 college scholarship winners - dreams that you helped to come true. Last year La Luz presented $10,000 in grants to 6 proud high school graduates so that they could pursue their goals and go on to higher education.

Every year La Luz Center hosts the annual Cinco De Mayo Fiesta for Education in the historic Sonoma Plaza to raise money for scholarships and to celebrate our Valley’s Mexican heritage.

It is a great party - full of vibrant colors, Mariachis, delicious food, activities and games. It is an opportunity to sample a carnitas taco, try elote from the grill, slake your thirst with sweet agua de fresas and tap your toes to the music of local Latino bands.

The annual student poster contest winner is honored by the Sonoma Alcalde and this year we are adding a costume contest for the most authentically Mexican outfit.

Come join us on Sunday, May 4th in the Sonoma Plaza from noon to 5pm and help us support our Valley’s youth.

If everyone who sees this message donates at least $20, it will pay for the best Spring Fiesta in Sonoma and help more high school graduates to achieve their dreams! Donate now by sending a check to: La Luz Center, P.O. Box 1016, Boyes Hot Springs, CA. 95416.

For more information about La Luz and its services, contact the office at 938-5131.