A Night of Celebration, Community, and Purpose: The 2025 Lynn Hispanic Scholarship Fund Gala

By Stephanie Herrera

On October 23, we gathered as a community for an unforgettable evening filled with elegance, music, inspirational testimonies, and a shared commitment to supporting the next generation of Lynn scholars. It was truly a night of glitz and glamour but more importantly, it was a night where our mission came alive in the stories, smiles, and voices of the students and community members who have shaped the Lynn Hispanic Scholarship Fund (LHSF) into what it is today.

The evening opened with a heartfelt message from our President, Vicky Rivera, who shared the history and journey of the Lynn Hispanic Scholarship Fund. She reminded us why this organization was formed and why it continues to be so necessary. Higher education can be overwhelming—emotionally, academically, and especially financially. But through our scholarships, mentorship, and community partnerships, we are creating opportunities for Lynn students—making secondary education more accessible and empowering families to believe that their children deserve to belong in every educational space.

We also want to give a very special recognition to our MC for the night, Laura Luna. Laura guided us through the evening with a warmth and authenticity that could be felt by everyone in the room. She had us laughing, reflecting, celebrating, and even tearing up at moments. Her natural ability to connect the room, honor our students, and uplift our mission made the night not only seamless but heartfelt. Laura reminded us what it looks like when community leadership comes from the heart.

One of the most moving highlights of the night was hearing from our scholarship recipients, who reminded us that this support is more than just financial. Our speakers shared that receiving a scholarship wasn’t simply about tuition—it was about feeling seen, valued, and supported by the very community that raised them. That message resonated deeply throughout the room and reminded us that belonging and representation matter just as much as funding.

The evening continued with vibrant performances, including an energetic Bachata and Salsa presentation by Moves and Vibes, which brought joy, rhythm, and cultural pride to the ballroom floor. And we cannot forget the powerful spoken word performance by Michelle "La Poetica", whose words anchored us in the truth that we are stronger together, and that our responsibility to our young people is ongoing. Her message reminded us that when challenges arise for the youth in our community, it is our duty to stand with them, guide them, and lift them up.

Brenda and Carlos from our executive team also presented this year’s accomplishments, highlighting scholarship awardees, community workshops, and new programming aimed at preparing students to apply not only to LHSF scholarships but also to national and local opportunities. This year was not just about awarding scholarships, it was about building pathways, opening doors, and equipping our students with the tools to navigate their future with confidence.

As the night rolled on, we danced to music curated by DJ Naeda,  who gave us a beautiful blend of classic Latino hits, nostalgic throwbacks, and modern rhythms. Guests enjoyed delicious food, drinks, and laughter, while alumni, city leaders, board members, and long-time supporters reconnected to celebrate our shared mission. We also had fun crowning our raffle and silent auction winners and capturing memories with 360 Fiesta’s Photo Booth.

But beneath all the festivities, the heart of the gala was clear:

This is more than a fundraiser. This is a gathering of a community united by hope.

Every scholarship, every partnership, every workshop, every student success story is made possible because we show up for each other. Because we believe in our youth. Because we know that when one of us rises, we all rise.

As we continue this work, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who attended, donated, performed, sponsored, volunteered, and advocated. The future is brighter because of you.

Consider donating to our mission

Here’s to more scholars.

More opportunities.

More unity.

More Lynn pride. 

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