Congratulations are in order for Claudia Flores of Pomona Unified School District, Thanh Mai Chu of San Diego Unified School District, Melissa Carroll of Ventura Unified School District, Lourdes Rumbo of Los Angeles Unified School District, and Patricia Gomez of Santa Paula Union High School District. These students were recently named the five winners of the second annual Why Education Matters scholarship series, a unique collaboration between HispanicBusiness Media, the California Association of California Latino Superintendents & Administrators (CALSA) and Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost LLP (F3).
As part of the scholarship application process, students from across the state wrote essays on how they personally define success and the role education plays in helping them combine personal passions with professional aspirations. Essays were reviewed and assessed by both leaders of CALSA, a professional association comprised of Latino educational leaders statewide dedicated to closing the Latina/o achievement gap, and the editorial staff at HispanicBusiness Magazine, the leading business-to-business publication and source of information amongst Latino professionals. The winning students' essays will be profiled on HispanicBusiness.com.
"It is inspirational to assist these future leaders with the essential educational step in helping them achieve their goals," observed CALSA Executive Director Sal Villaseņor. "In these trying financial times, it is important for private organizations to proactively address and support our students. I have the highest regard for F3 and their generosity."
F3, a comprehensive public education law firm, sponsored the Why Education Matters scholarships. From six locations across the state, F3 represents over 400 of the state's public school districts and county offices of education.
"Our clients deal with the ramifications of diminished budgets on a daily basis," noted F3 Managing Partner Peter Fagen. "While they face program cuts, furlough days, and employee layoffs, we recognize the need to intervene and assist those with the most at stake: the students."
"These students are our future," concluded Bill Krutzen, Director of New Media Operations with HispanicBusiness Media. "I could not be more proud of them, and we are honored to play a part in helping them achieve their aspirations."
Read the Winning Essays:
Lourdes Rumbo
Melissa Carroll
Claudia Flores
Patricia Gomez
Thanh Mai Chu
