PHOTO: Educator Lenny Vasquez gives the keynote address during the May 2024 SLI Graduation and Induction Ceremony at John Handley High School.
Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) has appointed information technology teacher Lenny Vasquez to its program director team at John Handley High School in Winchester.
Along with school counselor and continuing SLI program director Lara Maquera, Vasquez will facilitate SLI’s mission to support Latino/a/x high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships.
“I believe that persistence and determination move students forward regardless of circumstances,” said Vasquez, who teaches in the Shihadeh Innovation Center.
During his keynote address during the SLI graduation ceremony last spring, Vasquez described growing up in the Dominican Republic, emigrating to the U.S. as a teenager, and serving in the Marine Corps for 23 years. He completed a bachelor of science in organizational leadership from Columbia Southern University in 2019, and now lives in Augusta, West Virginia.
“Attending university was an important part of my own story, and I look forward to supporting SLI scholars as they pursue higher education,” he said.
Through collaborations with university and high school staff, faculty, and students, SLI provides college access opportunities throughout high school, plus financial support for college success for students in Winchester, Harrisonburg, and Richmond.
“I am delighted to have Lenny join the SLI team,” said Andrea Meador Smith, SLI board member and senior associate dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and professor of Hispanic Studies at Shenandoah University. “Educators who are SLI program directors have a tremendous impact on the SLI scholars they serve, and Lenny’s personal and professional experiences make him uniquely qualified to be a strong advocate.”
Since 2012 SLI has served 200 scholars (70 current and 130 alumni) and has awarded nearly $700,000 in financial support for students. SLI alumni have attended 25 colleges and universities.
SLI is funded by many individuals, businesses, foundations, and organizations, including in Winchester. In June 2022 SLI announced the establishment of its endowment made possible by a lead gift from Gerald F. “J.J.” Smith, Jr., and the Gerald and Paula McNichols Family Foundation has funded many SLI technology grants to help Handley students begin college with the technology they need for success.
