Life

Donors help Dream scholarships

Aztec dancers perform.

By Bill Moss, Published: April 14, 2013

About 250 supporters of Dream Scholarships for Hispanic high school seniors and college students turned out Sunday for a fundraising festival.

The first Dream Scholarship Fiesta came about when several local church congregations decided to do something about the proposed Dream Act failed in 2010. The event, at the Immaculata School gym, included a Mexican feast, Aztec Dancers, Los Hermanos de Cristo Rey, a pinata auction, the Missioneros de Cristo mariachi band and remarks by a Dream scholarship winner.

Lead sponsors were Los Jovenes de Colagio (Hispanic Marriage Ministry) and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hendersonville. The feast was prepared by volunteers from Immaculate Conception and La Capilla de Santa Maria. Other volunteers were from First Congregational Church, Immaculate Conception, St. James Episcopal Church and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

The Henderson County Dream Scholarship gives grants of up to $2,500 based on grades, test scores, extracurricular involvement, letters of recommendation and financial need. Last year the fund gave two scholarships to high school seniors and two to students already enrolled in college.

The aid is for one year, renewable based on grades and successful completion of programs.