Program Update

Giving Back: Prom Dream 2022 Recipient Loren Araya

This motivated and determined eighteen-year old Hawthorne High School senior was selected for the Bessie Morris Foundation 2022 Prom Dreams scholarship. Loren also received an academic scholarship from the Bessie Morris Foundation. Ivory Freeman, founder of Bessie Morris Foundation, asked Loren to share her aspirations, goals and dreams.

As long as she can recall, her aspiration was to get a better education, and show her younger sisters that "even the hardest things can be overcome, said Loren Araya."

As a result of her hard work and studying, Loren will be attending University of California, Santa Barbara in the fall. Her post-graduate goal is to come back and rebuild my community. "I’ve always wanted to grow and leave my city to pursue my education. That’s why I’ve always tried my hardest. There’s a stigma that most of us will stay here and not graduate from high school. But I knew I could do more. I am meant to do more," said Loren.

Although Loren worked multiple jobs to help support herself while living with her single-father and four siblings, her education has always been a priority. "Never did the jobs get in the way of my education or involvement on campus or in my community. I typically worked from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. Many nights I'd get home from work exhausted, but knew I must get started on my homework. Every weekend I'd do volunteer work, often with community clean up. "I studied hard and went to tutoring every lunch period knowing this would only push me closer to my goal of freedom."

Being a member of Hawthorne High's Associated Student Body helped grow Loren as a leader. She learned to organize and contribute to creating her own safe space, and to find her voice. She realized how fulfilling it is to serve her community. "The ASB organization helped me come out of my shell. Being quiet was my only way of survival at home, but at ASB, I could be myself."

Congratulations to Loren on winning the Prom Dreams scholarship and best wishes to her at UCSB.

August 2022

About the Prom Dreams Program