A 2021 high school graduate in Richmond is the recipient of the 2021 “For Your Success” college scholarship, sponsored by Canastas Chicken Restaurants, Sacred Heart Center, Scholars Latino Initiative, and an anonymous donor.

The student was selected to receive the $1,000 award. She plans to study business at Virginia Commonwealth University and become a Realtor.

“There should be no obstacles in life to prohibit you from doing what you really want to do,” she wrote in her scholarship application. “I want to be able to help people find their economical and comfortable home for their future family. In order for me to be able to help out I will have to study very hard and be focused in school.”

Students in the Sacred Heart Center College & Career-Bound Program were eligible to apply for the scholarship, whose sponsors included:

• Canastas Chicken Restaurants has locations in Glen Allen, Richmond, and Henrico, and boasts “the best Pollo a la Brasa you will ever try.” 
• Sacred Heart Center (SHC) supports Latinos in Richmond through programs such as adult education, family literacy, citizenship classes, and more. 
• Scholars Latino Initiative supports Latinx high school students through college access opportunities.

“Along with our partners, we are delighted to support our determined students,” said Elizabeth Solano, youth programs coordinator at SHC. “We look forward to our awardee’s success in college and beyond.”

Scholars Latino Initiative has welcomed Ileana Escalante (left) and Ruth Espinoza de Arteaga as program directors. Escalante and Espinoza are both Spanish teachers and co-sponsors of their school’s student organization Latinos Unidos.

“I am honored to work with SLI scholars,” said Escalante. “I passionately believe in empowering Latino students to follow their dreams and achieve their full potential. As a result, I know they will bring growth and positive change to their communities.”

Established in 2012 and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, SLI creates college opportunities for Latino/x high school students through unique programs. By collaborating with local university faculty and high school teachers, SLI offers its students rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, and supportive mentorships. 

Donations from SLI’s community of support allow the organization to offer dual enrollment tuition assistance, computer awards, and college scholarships that further empower its scholars as they pursue a college degree. SLI has awarded $213,000 in scholarships, $46,000 in computer awards, and more than $14,300 in tuition assistance.

“My main motivation for taking up this responsibility is to support our Latinx students, making them aware that college is more than a dream but a reality for them,” said Espinoza. “Their future is built always in the present, and we can lend a hand to make this dream come true.”

Since the organization’s formation, SLI efforts at Handley were led by teacher Thomas Robb, who also served on the SLI board of directors through 2020.

“lleana and Ruth bring a leadership that builds on the foundation cultivated by Tom and others in Winchester,” said Carlos Alemán, university professor and SLI program director in Harrisonburg. “This is an exciting opportunity that will benefit students, and all of us at SLI welcome their energy and vision, expertise, and wisdom.”

The Scholars Latino Initiative has announced the appointment of Fawn-Amber Montoya, Ph.D., associate dean for diversity, inclusion and external engagement at James Madison University, to its board of directors.

“Dr. Montoya is an incredible leader and we are honored to have her join SLI,” said Jason Good, board chair. “Her experience and expertise add immense value to our organization and our community.”

Montoya was nominated by Karina Kline-Gabel, vice chair of the SLI board and of the Virginia Latino Advisory Board, who noted her “action-oriented commitment to improving college accessibility for Latino/x students in our community.”

Before assuming her role at JMU in 2019, Montoya directed the Honors program at Colorado State University-Pueblo, where she received awards for service, advising, and mentoring and was a professor of history who taught courses in race, ethnicity, and gender, and focused on Mexican-American history. She has consulted on numerous museum exhibits, co-authored Practicing Oral History to Connect University to Community, and edited Making An American Workforce: The Colorado Fuel and Iron Company’s Construction of a Workforce during the Rockefeller Years.

“I am excited about joining the board because my experience interacting with SLI students has always been inspiring,” she said. “They are motivated individuals that are ready for successful experiences in higher education.”

Established in the Shenandoah Valley in 2012 and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, SLI creates college opportunities for Latino/x high school students through unique programs in Virginia. By collaborating with local university faculty and high school teachers, SLI offers its students rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, and supportive mentorships. 

Donations from SLI’s community of support allow the organization to offer dual enrollment tuition assistance, computer awards, and college scholarships that further empower its scholars as they pursue a college degree. SLI has awarded $213,000 in scholarships, $46,000 in computer awards, and over $14,300 in dual enrollment tuition assistance.

Departing SLI board member Phil Helmuth has received a Scholars Latino Initiative Service Award in recognition of his eight-year tenure, which included terms as chair and treasurer.

“Phil’s energy is infectious,” said Jason Good, board chair. “He was the stabilizing force through SLI’s early years, and a constant source of expertise and wisdom.”

Known by board colleagues as “tireless and selfless,” a “powerful example” who had “faith in the good will and effort” of others, and a “fantastic coach,” Phil played a “pivotal role in the development and growth of SLI,” said Brent Holsinger, board secretary.

“Phil helped take us from a tiny organization with three students to where we are today,” said Hannah Bowman Hrasky, board member and program director at Harrisonburg High School. “He has been a big part of making a difference in all of those students’ lives, and for that I am very grateful.”

A retired development director and minister, Phil will continue with Mennonite Disaster Service as coordinator for early response and rebuilding efforts following Hurricanes Laura and Delta in Louisiana.