The students, board members, program directors, and community supporters who attended the Winchester SLI Meet & Greet reflected the heart of SLI’s mission: rallying around college access opportunities for promising young people.
SLI, which supports Latino/a/x high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships, a collaboration with high school and university faculty, staff, and students to offer out-of-school, college access programs for high school students (“SLI scholars”) in Harrisonburg, Richmond, and Winchester. With support from its donors, SLI creates college scholarships, tech grants, and other financial assistance opportunities for SLI scholars and alumni.
Privately funded by the SLI community of support, since its incorporation in 2012 SLI has served 223 scholars (67 current and 156 alumni) and awarded students more than $917,300. This year is “SLI’s Million Dollar Año,” when the organization anticipates passing the $1 million mark in total awards to students. SLI alumni have attended 29 colleges and universities.
At the Meet & Greet, SLI alum Gabby (pictured) shared about her new job as a CNA and ongoing nursing studies.
“I’m really grateful,” she said. “I feel like I am pretty successful and honestly, it’s because of you guys, SLI.”
Also at the event, which was held at Lolita’s Mexican Restaurant, Gerald “Mac” McNichols was honored with a SLI graduation stole in recognition of the Gerald and Paula McNichols Family Foundation’s tremendous support for SLI.
Since 2018, grants from the foundation have covered the SLI technology grants for Winchester SLI students, plus supported SLI college scholarships.
“Thank you so much for sharing the benefits of your and Paula’s hard work with SLI scholars,” said SLI director of development Christopher Clymer Kurtz. “Paula overcame societal obstacles, and you and she both worked hard to make the world a better place. The impact of your support for SLI will continue to make a difference for generations to come.”
Outgoing board members Diana Patterson, a product development specialist at Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions Corporate Training, and Bryan Pearce-Gonzales, PhD, professor of Hispanic Studies at Shenandoah University, whose terms end this year, were also recognized by SLI board chair Fawn-Amber Montoya, PhD, professor of history at James Madison University.
“Bryan’s work within the Winchester community – at SU, on the school board, and more – have helped SLI be better connected in the region,” Montoya said.
“Diana’s interactions with the small businesses in the region have enhanced the SLI finance committee, and she and her husband Ed have been excellent bartenders for our annual Celebración event,” she added. “I’m hoping they can serve in that way again this fall, and that everyone here will be able to attend!”
