Ms Lydia M. Cruz was a primary school teacher at Clayton B. Wire Elementary School who transformed the lives of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. Her classroom was an oasis in an area better known for its violence. Her students were diverse, including Asians, Blacks, Latinos/as, and Native Americans, and she created a classroom where cross-racial solidarity could grow and thrive. From eating each other’s foods to painting murals together, Ms Cruz allowed these students to see the promise of working across racial/ethnic boundaries. She protected her “mijas/mijos” and provided for them a window of opportunity in the creative arts (through song and creative “making”) and language (teaching them Spanish). She stayed in touch with her mijas/mijos, attending their college graduations and their family celebrations. She changed the life trajectories of so many South Sacramento students. This Scholarship in her name celebrates the promise of students who can build on her legacy of cross-racial/ethnic solidarity, support, and hope.
Successful applicants will be awarded a $250 scholarship to honor Ms Lydia Cruz’s memory.
Criteria for scholarship selection:
Successful applicants will be awarded a $250 scholarship to honor Ms Lydia Cruz’s memory.
Criteria for scholarship selection:
- Successful applicants will participate fully and support their peers during the Sacramento UNITY program
- Successful applicants will be able to describe how they will use the lessons from the Sacramento UNITY program to lead cross-racial/ethnic efforts for high school or college students
- Successful applicants will have a vision for bringing positive change