Breaking News: 2015-16 Scholars announced!

We are excited to announce that we have accepted 55 scholarship recipients for the 2015-16 school year.  Decisions were difficult this year as we received almost 90 applicants.  However, these 55 Scholars demonstrated excellence through their academic and personal achievements and motivation.  In order to be selected, applicants took part in a rigorous selection process which included application, interview, home visits and a review of their participation and academic advancement over the past school year.

Please join us in congratulating -

From Guasmo -
Returning scholars: Briggitte, Steve, Yesenia, Geovanny and Sofia!
New Scholars: Luis A, Sara, Joselin C, Kimberly, Ruddy, Angie F, Darwin, Luis G, Isis, Jesus, Genesis O, Melany, Jean Carlos, Jorggy and Mike!

From Flor de Bastión -
Returning Scholars: Dayana, Briggitte, Joselyn C, Miguel, Juliana, Gema, Jordy, Milena, Anthony, Julio, Arelisa, Michelle and Betsy!
New Scholars: Gabriela, Daniel, Jhon, María B, Alexander, Nayeli, Melissa, María L, Alexis, Itaty, Ericka, Michelle, Adolfo, Josue, Luiggi, Joselyn Q, Genesis R, Angie S, Ariana, Oscar, Lucy y Abraham

This past weekend we held the first official meeting with our new class of Scholars and their parents.  It was very successful and we hope this is a sign of many good things to come for this year!

Fiestas de Guayaquil

Starfish Scholar Lili in a traditional dress, with her classmates.

The "Fiestas de Guayaquil" celebrate the Foundation of Guayaquil every year on July 25.  Across the city, people celebrate in many ways including parades, fireworks and parties.  At many high schools, including Colegio Huancavilca where 4 of our scholars study, they also hold festivals with traditional art, music and food.  The volunteers and I had the opportunity to go and watch our Scholars in action celebrating their city!

Starfish Scholars Lili & Pamela with their friend Alex

Typical Guayaquil food - ¡qué rico!

Starfish Scholar Eddy competing with a classmate in the traditional 3-legged race

Huancavilca students performing a traditional dance to ends the festivities for the day!

Sponsor a Scholar today!

Have you had a chance to check out the changes on our website?  There are updated pages on the need for Starfish, Community Partners, our Employees, bios from our Core Team, and a chance to meet all of our 41 Starfish Scholars for this school year.

Please also don't forget, we are still looking for sponsors for this current school year.  Please let us know if you are able to financially sponsor these young students and/or if you would like to participate in our Sponsor a Scholar pen pal program.  Even if you are not able to financially support a student for the whole year, you may still be eligible for the pen pal program.  The following students are still without pen pals for the current year:

Miguel

Briggitte

Joselyn  

Betsy

Evelyn  

Yesenia

Sofia

Nagelhi

Andreina

Contact Jenn & Beth for more information!