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Local high school seniors recognized with Latino scholarship funds

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – A scholarship fund is celebrating local Latinx scholars and helping them to kickstart their careers. These high school seniors are excited to attend college in the fall and put in the work, but they say it wouldn't be possible without the Latino Scholarship Fund of Western Mass. 'I feel like this opened the door to many opportunities, especially to my family,' said Jaden Diaz, Holyoke High School senior. Dance workshops in Holyoke during Afro-Caribbean Festival The next generation of Latinx leaders celebrated at the Log Cabin in Holyoke Friday evening. Those in the room had the community behind them, making sure they have the tools they need to succeed. Eight high school seniors are able to take the next step in their education with the help of this scholarship fund. 'For the fall, I will be attending UMass Dartmouth, and I will be pursuing nursing,' Diaz said. Inspired to be a nurse after watching a TV show with his mom, this senior said he looks forward to saving people's lives. The Latino Scholarship Fund of Western Mass helps students across the region. This includes FAFSA Night, an evening that helps parents in both English and Spanish understand what FAFSA is. 'So for us to be able to go into the high schools to make sure they get their FAFSA done, which is part of applying for our scholarship, you have to have that FAFSA done, is something that we strive to continue doing but improve on doing,' said Derek Estrella-Padilla, President of the Latino Scholarship Fund of Western Mass. 'But have more programming along that way.' Recognition and celebration were emphasized at this event before these high school students close one chapter and begin another. 'It's going to be a long journey, but I know I can do it,' Diaz said. The scholarship fund is currently working on creating a mentorship program for high school seniors. For more information on this organization and all they have to offer, visit WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.