White Plains, NY — On Thursday, June 20, 2019, Cabanillas & Associates, a P.C. legal firm and El Centro Hispano, Westchester County’s oldest Hispanic agency, celebrated the achievements of 32 students and graduates from Westchester County. This was the fifth year in a row that the two hosts the event and marked the 45th anniversary of El Centro Hispano.
In an evening ceremony hosted at El Centro Hispano’s White Plains offices and meeting space, students and their families celebrated their academic achievements and community involvement alongside El Centro Hispano board members, volunteers, and community supporters. Each student received a certificate commemorating their hard work as well as a scholarship to help fund their academic goals; their families were recognized for their support, encouragement, and involvement.
“It is an especially important time to come together and recognize the hard work and sacrifices that today’s students and their families are putting into building a better future,” said Chris Cabanillas, Founder of Cabanillas & Associates. “It’s easy to get caught up in the headlines and worries of the day but on an evening like this one, we all take the time to celebrate the strength and unity that is necessary to keep the community moving forward. We’re proud to be a part of awarding this year’s students over $50,000.00 to continue working towards their goals.”
“Since starting this organization in 1980, we’ve had the honor of awarding $477,550.00 to 541 deserving high school seniors. We’ve also expanded to offer our services in six Westchester locations via 27 different programs for children, teens, and adults. Our greatest achievement has been seeing those we’ve helped return to stay involved and “pay it forward” to help others. This is truly a community effort that brings all of us joy and hope to see it continue to flourish – This special night continues that tradition,” said Isabel Villar, Founding Director of El Centro Hispano.
2019 El Centro Hispano scholarship recipients: Christian Castro Ulin, Melanie Collana, Stephen Cunza Bendezú, Natalia Diaz Villatoro, Gabriela Huaman, Samantha Huanca, Andy Llanos Arellano, Stephany Málaga, Louis Meléndez Sánchez, Sandra Orzuna, Metzli Paredes, Rosemary Pucha, Danielle Ramírez, Angelica Sánchez, Mireya Sánchez, Henry Valencia, Samuel Velezaca, Joanna García, Juliet Hernández, Yannaury Lazala, Olena Ledenyova, Diana Olivos, Laura Maldonado, Ayanna Preudhomme, Zeamira Pérez, Manuela Rivera, Giselle Robles, Jarianna Rodríguez, Almendra Salcedo, Nicole Tapia, Arilia Velasco, and Miguel Zegallo.
