Chicas Senior Celebration: Class of 2023 |Empowering Dreams & Cultivating Leaders
As the academic year comes to a close, we take great pride in celebrating the remarkable achievements of over 30 seniors who participated in the Chicas program. The senior celebration was hosted to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduating class of 2023. The Chicas Program acknowledged the perseverance of each student working towards their goals even through adversities such as the pandemic. With the presence of family and friends, we presented graduating Chicas participants with a certificate of completion for their active participation in the Chicas Program. Each high school facilitator delivered heartfelt words to their graduating chicas, commemorating their achievements and growth throughout the year. As a community, we shared hugs, tears, and smiles as we celebrated them for reaching this milestone and pursuing their dreams in higher education.
Academic Excellence Recognized
The dedication and hard work put forth by these students have led them to participate in several academic programs while in high school as well as receive various accolades and honors, including:
AVID
Child Development Pathway
Health Careers - Pharmacy Technician Program
Honors Diploma
AP Honors
Valedictorian
ASB Vice President and MEchA Club Treasurer
Scholarships Galore
Their commitment to education has not gone unnoticed, as they have been awarded numerous scholarships to support their future academic endeavors. Some of these scholarships include:
GANAS Scholarship
Oregon Promise
Oregon Opportunity Grant
Bilingual and Diverse Teacher Scholars Program Scholarship from Western Oregon University
Ford Scholar
Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber Scholarship
Finley Academic Excellence Scholarship
Wayne R. and Julie Claire Spesock Memorial Scholarship
Dell Scholarship
Catalyst Scholarship
Pacific Academic Scholarship
Presidential Scholarships
US Dream Scholar
Bright Futures
The graduates are all set to embark on their educational journeys at esteemed institutions across the state of Oregon, such as:
Portland State University
Portland Community College
Western Oregon University
Oregon State University
University of Oregon
University of Portland
Linfield University
Gratitude for the Chicas Program
The impact of the Chicas program on these students' lives cannot be overstated. It has been a source of strength, support, and personal growth for each of them. Here are some heartfelt quotes from the graduates:
"Chicas for me has been more than just an after-school activity; it was an open space for me to be me, a place where I can talk without feeling judged."
"In the ten years that I have been part of Chicas, it has taught me that it's okay to be different, how to have healthy relationships with family and friends, how to take care of my well-being, the importance of education and friendship."
"I wanna thank Chicas for having me since middle school, I have so many memories of joining this youth organization, and I am grateful you were on this journey with me till my college years."
"Chicas has helped me achieve my goal of going to college. Thanks to my Chicas facilitators and their inspiration to achieve a higher education, I can become a future educator and inspire other students to achieve higher education."
A Legacy of Empowerment
The success of these graduates is a testament to the power of mentorship, community support, and dedication to personal growth. As we bid farewell to these remarkable seniors, we look forward to witnessing the impact they will make on their campuses and communities. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the graduates and their families. We were honored to have been able to work with such an amazing group of young adults and form part of their journey to college.
Felicidades y sigan Adelante!