DLSNC students are remarkable in many ways. One of the ways that recent grad Marissa Pasaye-Elias '20 is remarkable is that the money for her capital campaign donation comes from working at a local grocery store while also finishing her senior year and working at her CWSP job.
She says, "I am donating my hard-earned money to a cause that deserves so much more than I can give. I am persistent in my belief that everyone deserves a DLSNC education.
Without the generosity of benefactors and sponsors, I would not have been able to attend a college preparatory high school, and without the loving faculty and staff of DLSNC, I would not have graduated. There are so many students like me, and the best way I can give thanks is by continuing the generosity so that other students can get the education they deserve too."
Marissa acknowledges the challenges DLSNC students face: "We are children of poverty, single parents, unstable home lives, victims of countless inequalities. But we are also hard workers, valedictorians, empathic volunteers, team captains, tutors, friends, and are proud of our people. With poise and pride, we don't let anything stop us."
Marissa will be attending the University of Oregon in the fall and says, "My life would not be heading where it is heading now without the rigorous courses and constant push to do more from faculty and teachers. I am serious when I say this school changed my life and I am so glad it did."
Marissa is excited about the new and permanent home for DLSNC and says, "As alumni, we will travel and move wherever life takes us so it is comforting to know that there will always be a place for us to come back to."
Marissa encourages others to support the Building for Tomorrow's Leaders capital campaign. She says, "When you donate to DLSNC, you are donating directly to a student's journey of positive change and success."
Marissa tells us "some of the most genuine people in this world are affiliated with this small but mighty institution" and we thank her for being one of those people. We are so proud of all our students and really appreciate their support of our new campus and future.
