Sociedad Hispana Doylestown, an organization dedicated to the study and appreciation of Iberian and Latin American culture, awarded scholarships on May 2nd to three Central Bucks West students studying Spanish as a foreign language. The students, David Rosenberg, Thomas Aunins, and Dana Lapides, were recipients of $1,000, $500 and $250 scholarships, respectively.
The scholarship presentation took place at the County Theatre in Doylestown, followed by a screening of a Spanish language film, “Even the Rain.”
The three student winners were selected by the faculty at Central Bucks West based on various criteria in a written application including an essay in Spanish. Last month, the students presented their essays orally in Spanish to five representatives from the Sociedad Hispana membership who determined the winner, runner-up and finalist.
“This scholarship program embodies the mission of Sociedad Hispana Doylestown to share the passion and utility of the Spanish language with the younger generations in Bucks County,” said Sociedad Hispana Doylestown Co-Founder Terry Hull. “This is the first year we established and funded the scholarship program and we expect to continue it for years to come. For the 2012-2013 school year, we hope to raise $10,000 in scholarship funding and expand the program to other Bucks County high schools.”
Sociedad Hispana Doylestown was founded in 2007 when a group of Bucks County residents saw the need for an organization dedicated to cross-cultural understanding of the Hispanic culture, literature, language and the arts. From the initial meeting five years ago, the group has grown to approximately 45 dues-paying members.
Growth of membership, general interest in the Spanish language and a strong desire to promote cross-cultural understanding led to the group decision to incorporate Sociedad Hispana Doylestown as a 501(c) (3) (status pending) nonprofit organization in Pennsylvania.
Native and non-native Spanish-speaking organization members enjoy opportunities to practice their Spanish language skills at brown bag lunches during the week and weekends and a monthly book club at the Doylestown Free Library.
The organization seeks community support in raising funds for its scholarship program. To learn more about group activities and philanthropy, visit www.sociedadhispanadoylestown.com.
PHOTO CAP: Pictured from left, Central Bucks West Vice Principal Brian Caughie, scholarship winners David Rosenberg, Thomas Aunins, Dana Lapides, and Mount St. Joseph’s Academy Spanish Teacher Melissa Harrison.
