On September 27, the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association awarded many scholarships to law school students who have contributed to the Latino community. During the annual Scholarship Fund Gala dinner held at the Hard Rock Hotel, the Association recognized and awarded the Scholarship Fund to Raul Maravilla, Patricia Ojeda, Maggie Gaan, and Ricardo Elorza, law school students from Thomas Jefferson School of Law.
The keynote speaker was Edward James Olmos who played major roles in Hollywood such as Jaime Escalante in Stand and Deliver, Abraham Quintanilla in Selena, and Montoya Santana American Me, to name a few. He continues to advocate for Latino communities in pursuit for social justice. Mr. Olmos warmly praised the recipients for their hard work and dedication for the Latino community and to continue their success in advocating for their communities.
When receiving her award, Maggie Gaan told Mr. Olmos, “I want to thank you for all of the work that you do to strengthen the Latino community and I'd like you to know that your legacy will live on through this next generation to do our part as leaders and young future lawyers in the community to be better and give back. I will do my best to live up to the responsibility and do my part.”
Mr. Olmos responded, “But you already are, you already are.”
Patricia Ojeda said she was amazed when she received her award and heard other recipients’ stories. “I was glad to see people who love to help students who have been through so much; this shows that they care that we succeed, even though they don’t know us.”
“Thank you! Thank you for believing in my story and for giving me an opportunity to continue my legal education,” said Ricardo Elorza. “Going to law school and graduating from law school is a privilege that we all have. We should take that privilege to bring good to our communities. San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association has become like a family to me and I hope to continue being part of it.”