PAST ACTIVITIES

ANNUAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH LUNCHEON was held on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2007 at The Capital City Club.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Richard Fry.

                                                              
He is a demographic economist, with expertise in the analysis of established U.S. education, labor market, language, and voting data sets. He pursues an empirical research agenda on Latino educational, economic, and social outcomes.

Dr. Fry's research focuses on the value and development of productive skills, particularly among Hispanic youth populations. He is one of the nation's prominent scholars on measuring Latino educational attainment and college participation. His work has examined the languages abilities of Hispanic Americans, examining both Spanish language abilities as well as English proficiencies.

He contributes leading analyses on the different characteristics of the schools and colleges attended by the nation's minority youth. His research has been published in numerous journals, including the American Economic Review, Industrial and Labor Relations Review, and International Migration Review. His personal presentation was  animated, enthusiastic and energetic!

     Ivan Segura, President of the SC Hispanic Leadeship Council gave a atate of the council, in which he listed many of the activitieas in which the ouncil has been involved. The emphasis this year was on education.

LEER Competition

Here are the winners of this Year's scholarships, from left to right are:                                                              

   Xavier Rodriguez, Miyali Huera Cerda, Diane Oliva, and Milenko A. Fadic.

Milenko is a senior at A.C. Flora High School. He is awarded a college scholarship based on his academic excellence and community involvement.

Xavier is a Senior at Gilbert High School. He is awarded a collegel scholarship based on his academic excellence and commitment to leadership.

Miyali is a senior at Irmo High School. She is receiving a college scholarship based on her academic excellence and her desire to spread the acceptance of cultural diversity.

Diane is a junior at Richland North East High School. She applied for a music scholarship and was awarded this year for her outstanding violin abilities.

Milenko received $1500, Miyali received $1000, Xavier received $800 and Diane received $500 (for a music scholarship). The three high school seniors (Milenko, Miyali and Xavier) all received brand new laptops as well as their scholarship money. Diane received a new video ipod along with her music scholarship.

All three seniors are planning on attending a college or two year school in the fall, and have already been accepted.

Presidential Candidate meets with Hispanic leaders

On April 27, 2007 New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson met with Hispanic community leaders at a luncheon at The Capital City Club where Manuel Gaetan, Director of the SC Hispanic Leadership Council acted as Master of Ceremonies. The Council was well represented. Captured in this photograph with the presidential candidate are

two directors and an officer.      From left to right Rev. Sonia Ortigoza, director; Vicepresident Luz Rodriguez Arpan; Governor Richardson and director Manuel Gaetan.

As was expected, immigration matters and concerns were openly discussed with the Governor, who  listened  attentively, took notes and  understood the issues raised.  New Mexico has a 40%  Hispanic population and under  Governor Richardson, it has some of the most progressive Hispanic state legislation in the country.

SC Hispanic Affairs Summit

This forum was an opportunity for all community leaders, business owners, students, and people interested in Hispanic affairs to learn about the issues affecting Latinos.

The summit found some the common ground to establish collaborative efforts, regardless of organization, business or geographical area, to effectively work in favor of the Hispanic community in SC.

The summit was held on Friday, March 2nd 2006, at Columbia College.

The agenda included a presentation by Tammy Beshershe,  from Appleseed Legal Justice Center. Her presentation focused on the legislature proposed by the State Senate Immigration Study Committee Meetings. The summit had a Keynote Speaker who gave a national and regional overview about new laws and immigration, followed by a Round Table with Hispanic leaders who are actively advocating for the Hispanic community in SC. Finally, the Summit included a lunch/networking session.