The Hispanic Brotherhood of Rockville Centre will host its annual scholarship dinner May 14, continuing a more than 40-year tradition of honoring community leaders while raising funds for local students.
The event, one of the organization’s primary fundraisers, supports scholarships for graduating seniors pursuing college or trade school.
This year’s dinner will recognize six honorees whose work has made an impact on the Hispanic Brotherhood and the broader community.
“These are people that have worked with our community,” said Marguerite Keller, executive director. “We’ve been doing this for probably close to 40 years.”
Among them is Helen Dorado Alessi, a leader in public policy, philanthropy and community advocacy who serves as chief executive of El Dorado Consulting and executive director of the Long Beach Latino Civic Association.
Elaine Phillips, Nassau County comptroller, also will be honored for her work overseeing county finances and promoting government transparency.
Amy Flores, vice president and community manager at JPMorgan Chase, is being recognized for her work in economic development and expanding access to resources, including her previous role leading the Nassau County Office of Hispanic Affairs.
The St. Agnes Cathedral School Catholic Service Club, led by Principal Cecilia St. John, will be honored for its ongoing partnership with the Hispanic Brotherhood, including organizing an annual Christmas toy drive for local families.
“Their service is really helping and just bringing some joy to families that need it,” St. John said. “Especially during the holiday season.”
Naginder Singh will be recognized for decades of service within the village, including volunteer work with local organizations and community initiatives such as the Rockville Centre Lions Club and SIBSplace.
“No matter who you are, minority or no minority, have respect for each other,” Singh said. “Respect each other’s culture.”
Also being honored are the Rockville Centre Police Benevolent Association and Officer-in-Charge Mike Rollo for organizing food drives with the Hispanic Brotherhood that help support the group’s food pantry.
“We’re a unit together as PBA, and we’re 53 cops working together to make this community safer and better for everybody,” Rollo said. “So I think it’s just representative of us as a whole, and what we are trying to do for our community.”
At the center of the event is the scholarship program. This year, five students are expected to receive awards. Applicants must meet academic requirements, demonstrate community service and be of Latino or Latina background.
The evening will include a cocktail hour, dinner, awards presentation and video tributes, followed by music and dancing.
Open to the public, tickets are available now. Keller said the dinner not only recognizes community contributions, but also helps invest in the next generation of leaders.
For more information, visit HispanicBrotherhood.org.
