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On September 19, 2003, MANA del Norte honored its 2003 scholarship recipients at its 14th Annual National Hispanic Heritage Month Scholarship Banquet held at the Hilton of Santa Fe.  The evening began with a "Sipping and Bidding" reception by the pool.  Guests mingled with friends and bid on wonderful art, jewelry, and other items donated by local artisans and jewelers in the community, as well as a trip to the Caribbean, at our silent auction.  The proceeds from this "first-time ever" silent auction brought in close to $1,000 for our scholarship fund.  Thanks to all those who contributed items for the silent auction, and to Suzanne Johnston, MANA del Norte Board Secretary, and coordinator of the silent auction.

Our guests then moved to the banquet dining room where they feasted on a delicious dinner.  After  the welcome and opening remarks by our Master of Ceremonies Lou Baker, President Sandra Rodriguez addressed our guests, remarking on MANA del Norte's accomplishments during the past year and thanking our guests for their attendance and support.

The Honorable Ellen Sauerbrey, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women was our scheduled keynote speaker.  Unfortunately, because of inclement weather in Washington, D.C. on that weekend, she was not able to attend.  Not to worry!!  As soon as we were notified that Ambassador Sauerbrey would not be able to attend, our enterprising Master of Ceremonies shifted into high gear and found us a keynote speaker for the evening.  Lisa Pelletier, Publisher and Editor of "Mariposa Woman, Women's News in the Valley & Beyond," a wonderful publication about women in northern New Mexico, stepped up to the plate and spoke to us about the importance of women in the media.  Thank you, Lou, for your efforts, and Lisa for your enlightening words.

This was followed by the event of the evening:  the awarding of scholarships to our 15 recipients.  Because of our generous contributors in northern New Mexico, MANA del Norte was able to award 15 $750 scholarships to some very deserving and committed women in northern New Mexico.  MANA del Norte's 2003 scholarship recipients are:  Audrey A. Chacon, Ranchos de Taos; Adriana M. Gonzales, Ojo Caliente; Orenda N. Griego, Santa Fe; Julie Ann Mares, Santa Fe; Loretta Martinez-Cargo, Santa Fe; Crystal A. Ortega, Santa Fe; Eva M. Pacheco, Espanola; Pamela J. Rodriguez, Espanola; Antionette Romero, Vadito; Feliz E. Romero, Chimayo; Stephanie A. Roybal, Espanola; Yvette M. Tafoya, Taos; Alissa F. Trujillo, Espanola; Josie Vigil, Mora; and Louella Vigil-Farden, Ranchos de Taos.  Our congratulations and best wishes to all of them.

Keynote Speaker Lisa Pelletier, Publisher and Editor of Mariposa Woman	Master of Ceremonies, Lou Baker
Congressman Udall	Entertainer for the night
Scholarship recipients at banquet.