The Honors Student Committee (HSC), an elite club at Broward College (BC), held a charity dinner to raise funds for scholarships. Mazen Mbayed, a member of HSC, described that the goal of the dinner was “to raise funds for incoming high school students that are economically deprived.” Enrolling in college can be a hard endeavor for many students and their families in this economically-challenging time. HSC’s goal is to help lessen a student’s educational expenses at BC.Complete Article
The crowd sat at tables covered with paper hearts and Hershey’s Kisses and listened as Ted Manser, of the Broward Foundation announced that these scholarships “could change a life.” Mbayed hoped that the dinner would “stir up generosity” among the attendees. The scholarship is $3,300 and is used to deter the costs of a two-year, 72 credit hour education at BC.
“HSC is an open organization that allows students to have ideas and fulfill those ideas,” said Jessica Carranza, an HSC member and biology major. Ana Rocha, HSC member, said that HSC helps students to “maximize their experience.” According to Rocha recipients of the scholarship will be chosen based on their GPA and other criteria.
The event, held on Feb. 7 in honor of Valentine’s Day, featured entertainment provided by BC’s Salsa Club and the BC music department. Daniela Zitzmann, a Salsa Club dancer, said their performances added “something different to the event.” The group of dancers performed to “Give me a Kiss” and “La Comay.”
“Agustina Sayavedra prepared special choreography for this event,” said Siuleng Castro-Silva, a member of the Salsa Club, in reference to the dances aimed at the Valentine’s Day theme.
The music department showcased the voices of Fernanda Mello, Erica Amadi, Gabriel Alvarez and Emjay. One song performed, “Fall of the Wind,” was written and composed by Emjay. “The HSC asked for entertainment and I said, ‘Absolutely! We’ll get people together for you,’” said Sarah Weiner Jamison, a voice teacher and director of BC’s singing group, the Seahawks.
Further entertainment was provided by a jazz combo. A trio featuring Gabriel Alvarez, Daniel Alvarez and Benjamin Ramirez performed a few songs, including “Your Body is a Wonderland” by John Mayer.
Dinner for the event was donated by Taverna Opa in Fort Lauderdale and McFatter Technical High School. Souvlaki was served as the main course, followed by baklava for dessert.
Attendees had the opportunity to bid on a number of items during the silent auction. Businesses in the area contributed baskets of their company’s items including the Schakolad Chocolate Factory of Davie. Alaa Taher, HSC member and history major, brought homemade jewelry for the silent auction. Ramin and Farideh Gozleveli contributed to the event and brought in donations. “I saw my son being inspired by these great causes and I felt compelled [to donate],” said Farideh, whose son is a member of HSC.
