Dear SFHS Alumni Association,

I am honored to be one of the 2010 SFHS Alumni scholarship recipients. Thanks to your generous support I am able to attend college. It has been both academically and financially hard but you all have helped lessen those troubles.

This fall, I hope to begin my undergraduate degree as a freshman at Santa Monica College. My plans at this stage are to transfer to UCLA in order to major in Political Science, with an emphasis in Public Policy. This plan of mine would not be possible if it wasn’t for your unconditional support. Which will aid me with my expenses of both tuition and books. I truly consider myself fortunate to be one of the recipients of this award.

During my high school career I was involved in many volunteer programs in my community, giving back is something that has been and always will be important to me. And I know that with my post secondary degree I will be even more capable of giving back to my community and that wouldn’t be possible without your help.

I know that there will never be enough words to describe how truly thankful I am to you for you financial help. You have not only inspired me to continue my education but you have helped me along the way. I know that we are in very tough economic times, which makes me appreciate your help that much more. Once again thank you so much for generosity in helping me achieve my dreams.

Sincerely,

Carolina Cervantes

Dear SFHS Alumni Association,

San Fernando High School Alumni Association: On behalf of assisting in the Dolores Huerta appearance sponsored by Comision Femenil, I would like to thank the alumni association for presenting these funds for students. It was a great pleasure to meet such an inspirational women like Dolores and still see her passion at her age. It is by far true that Huerta is a kind and devoted woman ready to help individuals. The ceremony was a success and i would like to thank Mr. Alex Reza for giving me the opportunity to assist in the gathering Friday evening. It is people like Mr. Reza and the committee that drives students like myself to continue with an education and surpass barriers that at one time we thought was impossible.

I am now on the verge in attending UC Santa Barbara with a career in Global and International Studies. I am on my way to another chapter in my life with the help like the alumni committee. I now understand how important it is to raise funds, and with no hesitation will soon help the committee continue to earn more funds to help other students. Thank You.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Torres-Cacho

Dear SFHS Alumni Association,

I wanted to thank the Alumni Association for allowing me to attend The Comision Femenil and hear Dolores Huerta speak. I really enjoyed it and learned new things about how there are more prisons being built then schools. I have always been involved with the community and I plan to continue being involved throughout and even after I have reached my accomplishments.

Thank you again for the opportunity you gave me to have this wonderful experience.

Sincerely,

Sandra Rodriguez

Hello Carmen,

I just wanted to thank you and the Alumni Association once again for giving the scholarship last year. I am currently in my second semester at L.A. Mission College and working on getting my AA Degree and a certificate in culinary. I am so grateful that I received your scholarship because it helped me with my books and other supplies I needed for school.

Thank you once again and I will try to update you with my further success.

Sincerely,

Michelle Delgado

Ms. Velarde-Hernandez,

First and foremost, thank you for your generosity! I just recently attended the Comisión Femenil Dinner with Dolores Huerta. Thanks to the SFHS Alumni Association, I was able to experience the gathering of my community to hear from one of our great leaders. I enjoyed myself very much!

Just before arriving at MEND for the dinner, I was on the bus from Westwood back to Pacoima. I just have to look up from my seat to see the change that is still needed. Ms. Huerta emphasized the need for civic engagement, specifically within the educational system. It was shocking to hear that for the past decades the number of prisons being built in California has risen. Merced stands as the one University of California campus that has been built since in the past 20 years, meanwhile over 22 new prisons have emerged. To be reminded of such staggering actualities is saddening but not disheartening. From the event, I take back with me a stronger motivation to make a difference.

Using the leadership example of Dolores Huerta, I am all the more encouraged to not just go from SFHS '10 to UCLA '14, but to continue to pursue educational reform and nonprofit work in my studies. Thanks for the opportunity!

Patricia Vargas