Edmonds Beacon - Your Hometown News Source

The Edmonds Community College Foundation celebrated its scholarship recipients and community partners at a reception last week.

Two student scholars were the featured speakers. They each shared their stories about the impact a Foundation scholarship has had on their lives.

Veronica Salas spoke about her journey to Edmonds CC as a single mother, first-generation college student, and survivor of domestic abuse.

“Your support has also helped me set an example for my children to keep going, to keep moving forward,” Salas said. Two of Salas’ children, José and Paola, are also currently enrolled as students at Edmonds CC.

Salas’ son, José, wrote a letter to his mother: “Dear Mom, thank you for all you have done for me. You keep pushing me to do my best and to not give up. You are setting an example by going to school and working. You tell us to do our work so that we can do what we want to.

“You give me advice because you know what’s best for me. You work and get money so that we don’t have to and we can focus on our schoolwork. I know that you have plans for us, and I know they will be very good. I hope that you will stay in school and become what you want to become. I love you much, your son.”

Salas also received emergency funding, which allowed her to continue her education during a financial crisis. She is enrolled in the college’s paralegal program.

Angela Ferro-Capera grew up in Colombia and moved to the U.S. to pursue a career in STEM, or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The year before Ferro-Capera began taking classes at EdCC, her mother passed away, and she was involved in a terrible car accident.

She applied for a scholarship, unsure if she would be awarded.

“I received an email saying, ‘Congratulations, you have been awarded a Foundation Scholarship.’ I thought the email was a mistake, I thought that it was meant to be sent to somebody else.”

Receiving the scholarship allowed Ferro-Capera to quit her part-time job and focus on her studies. She hopes to one day work on creating a program that would help people with learning challenges continue their education.

The Foundation also presented two community awards. The Foundation’s Mission Award is given to a small business that has dedicated financial, volunteer, and moral support to Edmonds CC and the Foundation over a considerable period of time.

The Foundation’s Mission Award went to Carter Subaru of Lynnwood for eight years of support of the Foundation and community investment. General Manager Jennifer Moran accepted the award.

The Vision Award was presented to Heritage Bank as a large business that has extended its resources in significant ways over a considerable period, strengthening the institution’s ability to provide access and excellence in education. Branch manager Mikala Gammell accepted the award.

This year, the EdCC Foundation anticipates an increase in basic needs for students and has allocated nearly $40,000 in emergency funding to ensure students won’t have to make the decision between their education and buying food, transportation, or housing.