.. The Brad "Cubanito" Wright Scholarship Fund Christina Graciano, La Raza Class of 2009.....
From the beginning, Christina has always been actively involved in the struggle. Coming from a middle working class family, she knew the difficulties of growing up as an underrepresented individual. Throughout high school Christina held various positions of power which allowed her to educate her peers of the Latino culture and hardships we endure. During high school Christina was given the opportunity to interview Senator Joe Biden during his first visit to Christiana High School. The interview consisted of topics such as affirmative action, the war in Iraq, and the importance of voting. It was at this moment where Christina’s passion for politics grew to its maximum and kept abreast of everything that was occurring nationally and internationally. She was also invited to attend the Joe Biden Junior Senators program at Wesley College where she attended workshops which focused on the involvement of youth in politics and had lunch with Senator Biden. These and other occasions made her realize that her destiny was gravitating towards giving back to the community and empowering la raza.
Growing up in a predominantly Caucasian setting, Christina always looked for opportunities to become involved with minorities. Being raised in Delaware, Christina had the advantage of knowing the area and many of the community’s top professionals and resources. Having close ties with the Latin American Community Center and members of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Hispanic Affairs, Christina was well aware of what was waiting for her at the University of Delaware. As soon as Christina set foot on campus, she was approached by Jissell Martinez, now the President of La Raza, an old friend who recruited her into the La Raza Mentee Familia. This is one of the most pivotal moments in Christina’s college career because this would mark the beginning of a successful and lasting relationship with La Raza. Soon enough, Christina was attending all meetings, and events such as the Millions More March, GACHA meetings, and the API congressional institute conference where she met Senator Hilary Clinton. Being apart of La Raza has changed who I am because now I can’t ignore what is occurring to others around me and have found a deep passion for fighting injustice. La Raza has created a home away from home because this is an organization full of spirited, intelligent and diverse people who have a common goal in representing the Latino Agenda. Had I not become an active member, I would never have been presented with such opportunities for networking and knowledge of resources such as the Ronald E. Mc Nair program. This has been more than I envisioned, and am thankful for those who took the time when the city was burning to come and rescue me from anonymity among the mass at UD. I want to keep La Raza alive forever and to continue the legacy; I have already taken a mentee under my wing. My current task is being the best VP of Delegation and Latino Affairs by providing everyone access to the finest conferences and planning an amazing retreat. Eventually, I hope to ascend the ladder of success in the organization but time will tell where I am most needed. Fall 2006 has already started off as an amazing semester full of enriching events and promising novices which have already begun to demonstrate their potential. La Raza is truly a multifaceted organization which is united under one cause and that is to continue to fight against injustice. We are the future, Que Viva La Raza! En La Union Esta La Fuerza !! 
2005/2006 Winners:
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