Orange County Hispanic Education Endowment Fund

Nadia Maria Davis was in her second year of law school when disaster struck. Her father died, her family needed help, and she thought she would have to drop out of school. Davis had already made her announcement to the dean when aid came in the form of a scholarship from the Orange County Hispanic Education Endowment Fund.

An organization that provides scholarships and sponsors programs for Latino students honored individual and corporate donors at a reception Thursday. Ruben Smith, co-chair of the Orange County Hispanic Education Endowment Fund, expressed thanks to major contributors, saying they have "recognized the continuing growth of Orange County's Hispanic population and the need to educate our future job force."

Marking a significant step in the maturation of Orange County's Latino community, a 5-year-old scholarship fund for Latino college students has reached its first goal of raising a $1-million endowment.

The accomplishments of five educators, the dreams of 17 young scholars and a watershed moment for the local Latino community were all celebrated Friday night as the Orange County Hispanic Education Endowment Fund hosted its annual awards banquet.