On June 7th, Sociedad Latina’s youth, families, partners, volunteers, and community supporters came together for our Class of 2018 Celebration! Each year, we celebrate our 8th graders, high school seniors, and college graduates who are venturing onto high school, college, and careers. We also welcome back our Alumni who have become leaders and role models in our community and celebrate the dedicated volunteers without whom, our work would not be possible.

During our ceremony, Daylin Dominguez-Lopez, a participant of our Academy for Latinos Achieving Success (ALAS) program and recent graduate from North Shore Community College addressed his fellow graduates about striving for success no matter what. He shared his story of how poverty and violence could have defined his future, but with the love and support of his parents and community-based organizations like Sociedad Latina, he was able to complete his education.

“While working with Sociedad Latina, I have learned to appreciate more the people who have supported me financially and emotionally. I have also learned to be more disciplined in my studies and, most importantly, to be humble.”

Andrés Castro-Samayoa, Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership & Higher Education at Boston College also gave a moving speech to our youth. He encouraged our graduates to remember the value of community and that there is strength in reaching out for help. Andres grew up in El Salvador and came to the United States to attend Harvard University. The move was a monumental culture shock for him, but he eventually found his place here in Boston with the help of community support. Andres now works to enhance experiences for students of color from under-resourced communities, specifically focusing on Hispanic-serving institutions.

One of Sociedad Latina’s Alumni and longtime College Coach, Roly Luna, led our Volunteer Appreciation. He recognized 150 volunteers who have dedicated a great amount of their time in ensuring that our young people feel supported in their academic, professional, and personal goals. We also honored Emma Estabrook and Emily O’Briene, two volunteers from Emmanuel College who have been with Sociedad Latina for four years and continue to bring light and inspiration to the many students we work with.

Lastly, Sociedad Latina awarded the fourth annual Aurea E. Beltrán Memorial Scholarship to Joel Colon! Joel recently graduated from John D. O’Bryant High School and has been a participant of Sociedad Latina’s Youth Artists Mastery Program for the last four years. He first joined Sociedad Latina while in middle school through our Weekend Community Classes.

“Sociedad Latina me ha dado la confianza para poder desenvolverme mejor, tanto en el campo de la musica como academicamente.” - Joel Colon

Joel will be studying Engineering at UMASS Amherst this fall, we look forward to see what lies ahead in  his future endeavors!

This fall, our high school seniors will be attending a diverse array of colleges and universities, including Bunker Hill Community College, Endicott College, Northeastern University, Providence College, UMASS Amherst, and UMASS Boston. Thank you to all of our youth, families, volunteers, partners, and community supporters over this last year for their commitment to our mission! Sociedad Latina would not be the organization that we are today without their support. If you’re interested in donating to our scholarship program, please click here!