Aurora University Student Wins Latino Scholarship

AURORA, Ill.-Michele Romero of St. Charles has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship from the Illinois Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation (ILLCF).

Romero, an Aurora University junior education major, was among 20 scholarship recipients announced at the ILLCF's fifth annual conference and scholarship dinner at the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont last month.

Titled "La Presencia Latina: Many Lives, One Voice," the conference featured speeches, panel presentations, and concurrent sessions to address major Latino public policy issues. They included housing, immigration, education, business opportunity, employment and training, health care, and transportation.

State Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia of Aurora led two panel discussions. Eva Serrano, director of community-school partnerships said, "Michele is deserving of this scholarship because she works
extremely hard at getting good grades, and engaging in activities outside of the classroom. Her success should success motivate other Latino students to seek scholarship opportunities because many are within reach."

Romero qualified for the scholarship through academic and civic accomplishments. They include serving as president of AU's Latin American Student Organization.

Active in Union Latina of St. Charles, she helped the group organize a Latino Festival for Hispanic Heritage month, taught English to adult Latino students in St. Charles, and  provided childcare to
children of parents enrolled in Monday English classes. She is also helping Union Latina to bring the Mexican Consulate to St. Charles in June 2008. Romero also served as the group's volunteer director, providing direction and recruiting Latinos to be volunteers.

Crowned the City of Aurora's 2007 Cinco de Mayo parade queen, she served as a role model for young girls and assisted with Aurora community projects during April and May.

Romero also volunteered for "Migrant Camp," a Girl Scouts summer program held during June and July 2006.

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