A. Carmona, Little Village Lawndale High School

 

Ms. Carmona was born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. She was born to a family of five and was taught from a young age that education paved a path to success. She has always loved to read and write, and she strongly believes that this passion has helped open doors for her. She hopes to become a social worker and help young people in her community. More than anything, she wants to make her family proud. With the Dreamers Unidos Scholarship Fund award, her first year of college is paid in full. She says, “This is a huge burden being lifted from my family and me! This shows me that my hard work and sacrifices were worth it.”

 

D. Raygoza, Little Village Lawndale High School

 

Ms. Raygoza is an undocumented student who came to the United States at the age of three. Although she grew up in a hardworking household, money has always been an issue. Without access to traditional resources that help students afford college, scholarships were critical in making her college dream possible. Her objective is to major in accounting; she finds the idea of working in an office

exhilarating and is excited about the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. She devotes her time to creating social awareness about different cultures. Once a week, she participates in The Asian Club as a club officer. She is also part of The National Honors Society, where she participates in fundraising, school activities, and community service.

 

R. Alanis, Farragut Career Academy

 

Mr. Alanis is a graduating senior from Farragut Career Academy. He comes from a family that has taught him to be humble, respectful, and smart. His mom taught him the value of education; he says, “She always pushes me to do the best I can. She has always been a woman of great words and actions, which is why she is my role model and best friend.” The Dreamers Unidos Scholarship will assist him in purchasing the books and supplies that he needs in his first year of college. He says, “With the simple fact of earning the scholarship, I have showed myself that I am capable of great things.”

 

J. Guzman, Farragut Career Academy

 

Ms. Guzman was born in Guanajuato, Mexico and immigrated to Chicago at the age of ten. She attended McCormick Elementary School and Francisco I. Madero Middle School, where she participated in Enlace Community Schools programming. She is currently a graduating senior in Farragut Career Academy’s IB/DP Program. She is very involved in the school; she participates in Spanish Honors Society, Art Club, Step Up Women's Network, and Running Club. Outside of school, she is a catechist assistant and youth center participant at Our Lady of Tepeyac Church. She is looking to pursue a bachelor's degree in education and plans to become a teacher. She has been accepted to Northern Illinois University, Monmouth College, Northeastern University, and National Louis University.