The Winchester SLI Meet & Greet on April 4 celebrated college access by bringing together SLI scholars and alumni, program directors, families, board members, and community supporters for delicious food and drinks.
Sponsored by Laurel Ridge Community College and hosted by Lolita’s Mexican Restaurant, the evening featured speeches including by board member Bryan Pearce-Gonzales, Ph.D. (pictured) and SLI alumni.
SLI “was one of the best things, and still is one of the best things that has ever happened to me,” said alum Daniel ’21, who will graduate this spring with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. “Through SLI’s help and guidance, and financial support, I have been able to achieve all of my dreams. SLI laid the foundation for me.”
During the event, Gerald F. “J.J.” Smith, Jr. was recognized for continuing to fund many SLI college scholarships, and for his 2022 lead gift that led to the establishment of a SLI endowment at the Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.
SLI leaders were also introduced, including Winchester program directors Lara Maquera and Lenny Vasquez, SLI board chair Fawn-Amber Montoya, Ph.D., vice-chair Carlos Alemán, Ph.D., secretary Andrea Meador Smith, Ph.D., and members Diana Patterson, owner of DSP Services, and Pearce-Gonzales.
The mission of Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) is to support Latino/a/x high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships.
Through collaborations with university and high school staff, faculty, and students, SLI provides college access opportunities throughout high school. In addition, its scholars can become eligible for financial support for college success. Since 2012 SLI has served 201 scholars (71 current and 130 alumni) and awarded more than $700,000 in financial support for students. SLI scholars have attended 25 colleges and universities.
