Students receive scholarships from Pride Foundation
Each year for over a decade, Seattle Central students have won competitive scholarships from the Pride Foundation, a local organization that supports the pursuit of equality for the LGBTQ community in the Northwest. This year is no exception, as three students have been awarded Pride scholarships: Lina Ali and Deserae Duran, as well as another student who wished to remain anonymous, all received awards.
Lina was born in Tanzania and came to Seattle to further her education. She recently received three scholarships from the Pride Foundation, where she spoke at the annual celebration dinner for recipients. She is an openly gay woman who has been HIV positive for 19 years. By living a healthy lifestyle, she aims to show others that HIV does not need to be a death sentence. Lina, who graduates this week with an Associate of Science degree, plans to use her scholarship to stay at Seattle Central to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science. She eventually wants to earn a master’s degree in social work from the University of Washington and specialize in gerontology.
Deserae recently overcame an alcohol addiction and is looking to better her life through education. As a gay woman, Deserae hopes that her experience can provide LGBTQ youth with guidance to address their own struggles. Deserae will use her scholarship to continue to earn prerequisites for her long term goal of becoming a Radiological Technician.