Salinas, Calif.__Proud United Farm Workers members protected by union contracts will look on as UFW National Vice President Lauro Barajas,- presents $1,000 and $500 scholarships to nine children of union members at 6 p.m. on Wednesday in the Central Coast Farm Worker Center in Salinas. The recipients are Maria Molinero Cazares, Alondra Cruz, Erick Zarate Gonzalez, Diana Lemus Jimenez, Azusena Ledesma,Carlos Mendoza, Juan Rodriguez, Esmeralda Vargas, and Fernando Flores .
Esmeralda Vargas Tovar is the daughter of Saul Vargas, a UFW member at Monterey Mushrooms Inc. Esmeralda is a sophomore at San Jose State University, pursuing a degree in biological science. This is her second year as a recipient of the ¡Si Se Puede!® Scholarship award.
Juan Rodriguez is the son of Galo Rodriguez, also a UFW member at Monterey Mushrooms. Juan is a junior at Princeton University, pursuing a degree in economics. This is his third year as a recipient of the ¡Si Se Puede!® Scholarship award.
Carlos Mendoza is the son of Fidel Mendoza, union member at Monterey Mushrooms. Carlos is a sophomore at Hartnell Community College, pursuing a degree in psychology. This is his first year as a recipient of the ¡Si Se Puede!® Scholarship award.
Azusena Ledesma is the daughter of Maria C. Calderon, another UFW member at Monterey Mushrooms. Azusena is a freshman at California State University Monterey Bay, pursuing a degree in kinesiology. This is her first year as a recipient of the ¡Si Se Puede!® Scholarship award.
Diana Lemus Jimenez is the daughter of Angelica Jimenez, a union member at Monterey Mushrooms. Diana is a junior at University of California Davis, pursuing a degree in biological science. This is her first time as a recipient of the ¡Si Se Puede!® Scholarship award.
Erick A. Zarate Gonzalez is the son of Maria J. Gonzalez Cabrera, a UFW member at D’Arrigo Brothers Co. Erick is a freshman at, Fresno State University, pursing a degree in history. This is his first year as a recipient of the ¡Si Se Puede!® Scholarship award.
Alondra Cruz is the daughter of Florena Suastegui, also a union member at D’Arrigo Brothers. Alondra is a freshman at California State University Chico, pursuing a degree in architecture. This is her first year as a recipient of the ¡Si Se Puede!® Scholarship award.
Maria G. Molinero Cazares is the daughter of Araceli Cazares Ortega, another UFW member at D’Arrigo Brothers. Maria is a senior at the University of California Irvine, pursuing a degree in public health policy. This is her fourth year as a recipient of the ¡Si Se Puede!® Scholarship award.
Fernando Flores is the son of Maribel Leon De Flores, a UFW member at Monterey Mushrooms. Fernando is a senior at University of California Santa Cruz, pursing a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology. This is his fourth year as a recipient of the ¡Si Se Puede!® Scholarship award.
The scholarship program was established by union members to support students who demonstrated a commitment to completing their education in spite of financial hardships. These awards are intended to help them achieve their educational goals and can be applied towards any education-related costs, including textbooks, lab fees, uniforms and other expenses associated with their studies. The ¡Si Se Puede!® Scholarships are made possible by generous commitments from the union membership.
Who: UFW National Vice President Lauro Barajas, sons and daughters of union members receiving UFW scholarships, their family members, other union members and retirees, and UFW staff.
What: Presentation of ¡Si Se Puede!® Scholarships made possible by contributions from UFW members under union contracts.
When: 6 – 8 p.m., Wednesday Sept. 5, 2018
Where: Central Coast Farm Worker Center, 118 E. Gabilan St., Salinas 93901
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