The Importance of Supporting Educational Institutions: A Recap of the Latin American Scholarship Gala 2024

By Cap. Rey GARCIA-SALAS.-  The Latin American Scholarship Foundation (LASF) hosted its 5th Annual Scholarship Gala in Toronto, marking a significant milestone in its mission to empower Latin American youth in Canada. The event celebrated the academic achievements of Latin American students and underscored the vital role that institutions like LASF play in enabling more students to access higher education.

LASF, founded in 2018, is dedicated to removing financial barriers for high-performing Grade 12 students, allowing them to pursue post-secondary education and reach their full potential. By awarding scholarships to deserving students, LASF not only invests in the individuals but also in the future of the Latin American community in Canada. Currently focused on Ontario, the foundation plans to expand its impact across the rest of Canada in the future.

The evening served as a poignant reminder of the importance of supporting educational institutions like LASF. Despite the high rate of educational attainment within the Latin American community in Canada, challenges persist, particularly for students from marginalized backgrounds. According to Statistics Canada, while over 60% of Latin American youth in Canada enroll in post-secondary education, they continue to face barriers that hinder their success, including financial constraints and a lack of representation in higher education institutions. LASF plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges, offering opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible to many young people.

The event began with a warm welcome from the hosts, Renzo Garcia and Myrna Kahan, who set the tone for a night of celebration and inspiration. They expressed heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors and volunteers who made the event possible, including notable Gold and Silver sponsors like Cala Center, DONPAR Roofing, and Elite Building Group.

Patricia Maldonado, President of LASF, delivered an opening speech that underscored the foundation’s mission and the significance of its work. She emphasized the profound impact that scholarships have on the lives of young Latin Americans, helping them overcome financial obstacles and achieve their academic goals. Drawing a vivid analogy, she compared the foundation to a tree, where a seed was initially planted, and over time, that seed has grown into several trees, with the potential to become a forest in the future.

Toronto District School Board Trustee Matias de Dovitiis followed with a powerful speech that highlighted the importance of education in fostering equity and the urgent need for more opportunities for Latin American students. He pointed out the alarming statistic that individuals of Latin American descent have the lowest high school graduation rates among all ethnic groups in Ontario, making the work of organizations like LASF even more essential.

Another evening’s inspiring moment was the speech delivered by Captain Rey Garcia-Salas, a distinguished member of the Canadian Armed Forces and a proud representative of the Latin American Soldiers Committee in Canada. He was joined by Major Rogger Guzman-Bucheli, a young officer who has rapidly risen through the ranks to become a Major in the Royal Canadian Air Force, serving as a role model for new generations.

Captain Garcia-Salas shared his personal journey, which deeply resonated with the audience. Arriving in Canada in 1996 as an adult, he faced the daunting challenges of learning a new language and starting over in a foreign country. Despite these obstacles, he pursued higher education, earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Carleton University in Ottawa while balancing the responsibilities of a young family and his service in the Canadian Army Reserves, before transitioning to the Regular Force.

His speech was a testament to resilience, education, and the importance of perseverance. He spoke passionately about the necessity of continuous learning and the value of helping others along the way. “Never stop learning. Never leave a task unfinished. Never assume that you know everything. If you find yourself in doubt, do not hesitate to seek help. Be humble. Be kind,” he advised the students in attendance.

Captain Garcia-Salas also paid tribute to the Latin American ancestors who fought alongside Canadians in the World Wars, emphasizing the importance of honoring their legacy by contributing to the growth and prosperity of Canada while preserving their cultural heritage.

Major Rogger Guzman-Bucheli, who achieved the rank of Major at a young age, stood as a shining example of what is possible with dedication and perseverance. His presence at the event was a source of pride for the community, demonstrating that young Latin Americans can and do achieve great things in the Canadian Armed Forces.

The evening culminated with the presentation of scholarships to the outstanding students of 2024. These young individuals, each with their own inspiring stories, represent the future of the Latin American community in Canada. Their achievements and aspirations are a testament to the impact that organizations like LASF have on shaping the next generation of leaders.

As the night drew to a close, it was evident that the Latin American Scholarship Foundation’s mission is more critical than ever. By supporting institutions that provide educational opportunities, we not only uplift individual students but also strengthen the entire community. The gala was a powerful reminder that through collective effort, we can create a brighter, more equitable future for all.

In the words of Captain Rey Garcia-Salas, “The bigger the obstacle, the more innovative and creative your mind will become.” This spirit of perseverance and innovation is at the heart of LASF’s work, and it is what will continue to drive the success of Latin American youth in Canada.