Hispanic Brotherhood honors community

Marguerite Keller, left, co-director of the Hispanic Brotherhood, with scholarship recipients Andrea Bisono, Cindy Duran, Alexis Molina, Joseph Colon, Nicole Calderon, Veleria Jimenez, Angel Moronta, Ivette Fernandez and Rafael Lora, as well as Hispanic Brotherhood Director Margarita Grasing, board member Ellen Grossman and board Vice President Alex Cepero.

Maureen Lennon/Herald

Marachi Mendoza Band provided musical entertainment for the evening.

Maureen Lennon/Herald

Colorfully dressed dancers spun around on the floor and wowed the audience with their moves.

Maureen Lennon/Herald

Honoree Mayor Francis X. Murray with Margarita Grasing, director of the Hispanic Brotherhood.

Maureen Lennon/Herald

Dr. Kenneth Saunder, acting president of Nassau Community College, was presented an award by Dr. Angeles Placer, chair of the Department of Moderan Languages at Molloy College.

Maureen Lennon/Herald

Scholarship winner Rafael Lora, left, with special quest Erik Coleman of the New York Jets.

Maureen Lennon/Herald

Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray was presented her award by Margarita Grasing.

Maureen Lennon/Herald

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On May 7, the Hispanic Brotherhood of Rockville Centre held its 31st Annual Scholarship Dinner at Temple Avodah in Oceanside.

The evening is a chance for the Hispanic Brotherhood to honor people who make a difference in the community, award scholarships to many students and also raise money for its many programs.

This year, the Brotherhood honored Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray, Univision 41 News Anchor Merijoel Duran, Healthfirst, Nassau Community College and the staff of Mercy Medical Center.

The Hispanic Brotherhood also awarded nine scholarships of $1,000 each to deserving students who are on their way to college — Ivette Fernandez, Alexis Molina, Rafael Lora, Angel Moronta, Cindy Duran, Joseph Colon, Nicole Calderon, Valeria Jimenez and Andrea Bisono. The Brotherhood isn’t sure how much money it raised this year yet, but last year’s dinner brought the organization $50,000, and more people attended this year.