CELEBRATING SUCCESS: Bridge2College honors first-generation Valley scholars

FRESNO, Calif. — The nonprofit Bridge2College celebrated the academic achievements of Valley graduating seniors Friday night in Fresno.

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The 5th annual "A Dream in Paradise" Scholarship Awards Dinner awarded thousands of dollars in scholarship money to local scholars, many Latino and first-generation college students.

The event welcomed graduating seniors and their families, as well as juniors, sophomores, and freshman from local area high schools.

The dinner was was held at the Rivendell Community in McKinley and was emceed by FOX26 Reporter and Weather Anchor Christina Lopez. The evening's featured guest speaker was Fresno State President, Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval. His message of change and pursuing your passions resonated with the young crowd of students.

Those awarded with scholarships included Oscar Briceno Ferrer, a Senior at Liberty High School. He is headed to UC Davis in the fall. Miranda Fabela Luna is a Senior at Kingsburg High School. She will major in Civil Engineering at Fresno State in the fall. Another scholarship recipient, Lydia Martinez, who is a Senior at Liberty High School. Martinez is a first-generation Mexican-American student pursuing Biology and plans to attend Columbia University in New York in the fall.

Bridge2College is lead by President Johnny Baltierra and its Board of Advisors. If you would like to learn more about the Bridge2College College Readiness Program, visit the nonprofit's website here.