Scholarship 1997 (Rosado)
4th scholarship from the “Spanish American Club, Inc.”
By Herman Santa
For the fourth time in the area, the club offered a scholarship to a student of Hispanic descent living in Martin or St. Lucie counties who plans to continue their education at the university level. The scholarship is $500.00 and will help cover the student’s tuition or book expenses.
The scholarship committee of the Spanish American Club, Inc. selected student Alfredo Rosado. Alfredo was born in Puerto Rico and is a high school student in the city of Port St. Lucie. The “Spanish American Club, Inc.” is a non-profit organization created by a Hispanic group from Martin and St. Lucie counties. The purpose of the organization is to promote a spirit of friendship and solidarity within the Hispanic community of the two counties. One of the association’s goals is to foster knowledge of our countries, their geography, history, art, culture, and folklore.
Students must have an average of “B” or higher in the last year class they are going to graduate from. Candidates must be able to read and speak Spanish. One of the student’s parents must have been born in a Spanish-speaking country. In the event that there are two students with the same qualifications for the scholarship, the student with fewer economic resources will be selected. The winning student must have proof of acceptance to the college or university.

Scholarship 1996 (Torres)
3rd scholarship from the “Spanish American Club, Inc.”
By Herman Santa
For the third time, the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” awarded a college scholarship to a Hispanic student in the area. This year’s scholarship winner was Jennifer Lee Torres from Port St. Lucie. The scholarship was for $500.00 and will help cover tuition, book expenses, or student fees. Students must have a GPA (Grade Point Average) of 2.5 in their final year of high school. Candidates must read, write, and speak Spanish fluently. The candidate must be of Hispanic descent. If two students have equal grades, the student with fewer economic resources will be selected.
For the upcoming year, students who meet the mentioned requirements can obtain the application at the “Indian River Community College” office. The selection of the recipient will be made by the scholarship committee of the “Indian River Community College.” The scholarship winner will be announced on the night of the “Scholarship Night Dance.” For more information, please call Ms. Angela Hurley, the “Chairperson” of the club’s scholarship committee.

Picnic 2010
Annual Picnic at Jensen Beach Park
By Herman Santa
It was a beautiful day for a picnic on the beach on Saturday, July 17th for the members of the Spanish American Club, Inc. (SACI) to celebrate their Annual Picnic at the Jensen Beach Park on Hutchinson Island. More than 50 members and their relatives attended the picnic which was a big success. Club president Jimmy Rivera greeted every one who attended and thanked the members for their support for this year monthly events. His wife Kathy and Jimmy’s sister, Millie Gordon helped him with the barbecue.
The afternoon was filled with great food, music and tropical temperatures. As the afternoon heat reached over 90 degrees and a gray-blue haze sky, the members enjoyed a great day for a “barbacoa” at the beach playing volleyball, dominoes, swimming and dancing. After the cook out, the members and their guests celebrated Norma Castro and Isabella Castro birthdays. Isabella is Jimmy and Kathy grand daughter. They finish with the 50/50 raffle. The winner was Linda Manzanares. The SACI’s BBQ was really a good one in a long time. I commend the Board for a job well done.



Assembly 1996
Members of SACI elect Board of Directors at Don Ramon restaurant in Stuart
By Sam Del Rosario
The Spanish American Club, Inc. held its annual assembly on January 28 at Don Ramón restaurant in the city of Stuart. The members elected the new Board of Directors, composed of Pete Echevarría, President; Isa Bryson, Vice President; Arnaldo Palenzuela, Treasurer; Odette M. Gayoso, Secretary; and Lilia Bohórquez, Member. The Board of Directors was elected by majority vote for the fiscal year from January to December 1996.
The Spanish American Club, Inc. held its annual assembly on January 28 at the Don Ramón restaurant in the city of Stuart. The members elected the new Board of Directors composed of Pete Echevarría; President, Isa Bryson; Vice President, Arnaldo Palenzuela; Treasurer, Odette M. Gayoso; Secretary, and Lilia Bohórquez; Member. The Board of Directors was elected by majority for the fiscal year from January to December 1996.
The event concluded with the presentation of plaques to the former board members from 1995. They were awarded to the outgoing President Herman Santa, Dr. Antonio J. Castillo, Vice President, José Arnao, Treasurer, Isa Bryson, Secretary, and Pete Echevarría, Member, for their work last year for the club.



Assembly 1995
Members of SACI elect Board of Directors at Don Ramon restaurant in Stuart
By Cecilia Vignier
On Saturday, January 29, Mr. Tomás González, president of the 1994 club, chaired the elections at Don Ramón restaurant in Stuart. Mr. Herman Santa was elected as president; Dr. Antonio J. Castillo as vice president; Mr. José Arnao as treasurer; Mrs. Vera Clark as secretary; and Mrs. Isabel Bryson as a board member.
The directors of 1994 received commemorative plaques. Congratulations to the new board for 1995. Members meet monthly organizing different activities. Funds have been allocated for a scholarship that will be awarded to a Hispanic student in April.



Get Together 1995 (Carrión)
Monthly “Get Together” at the residence of Néstor and Marialuisa Carrión in Palm City
By Herman Santa
On Saturday, April 22, the members of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” celebrated the birthdays of the April honorees with a delicious Italian dinner at the Carrión family’s estate in Palm City.
The members who celebrated their birthdays this month were: Robert Sánchez, María Finnerty, Andrew Poulter, Herman Santa, Lucy Santa, Cecilia Vignier, Marialuisa Carrión, Gladys Vélez, and Zoraida Echevarría. After dinner, we sang happy birthday to the birthday celebrants present and enjoyed a delicious cake prepared by Mrs. Gladys Vélez. We had a wonderful evening sharing with the members. Néstor and Marialuisa are very gracious hosts.



Spring 1994
Annual Spring with live music at the residence of Nestor and Marialuisa Carrión in Palm City
By Herman Santa
The monthly meeting of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” was held on March 12 at the residence of Nestor and Marialuisa Carrión in Palm City. Members and guests enjoyed a very pleasant party. The guests included the Baldasari, Gayoso, Rodríguez, Palenzuela, Fisher, Saltos, Verde, Gatzke, Colón, and Arnao families. José Lorenzato’s and Norma Colón’s birthdays were celebrated. Nestor and Marialuisa were splendid hosts, welcoming each of the guests. The next meeting will be on “Easter,” at the residence of a member.



Picnic 1995
Annual Picnic in honor of the fathers Ft. Pierce Inlet State Park
By Herman Santa
On Saturday, June 17, the members of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” celebrated “Father’s Day” at Ft. Pierce Inlet State Park beach. Cecilia and Guillermo Vignier took charge of planning the activity, which turned out great. The pavilion looked very beautiful with palm trees and indigenous masks, giving it a carnival atmosphere. The food provided by the members was delicious and varied. Thank you, Guillermo and Cecilia, for another well-planned festivity, and also to the members for their participation and support.
After lunch, we presented the guests: Mr. Johnny Saltos, Mr. Carlos Meléndez and his wife María, Mr. Arturo Morales and his wife Patricia, and Mrs. Rosina Allen, all residents of Port St. Lucie. Mrs. Rosa Portalea, Mrs. Cecilia Ruiz and her mother, Mrs. Inéz Vda. de Ruiz, residents of Jensen Beach. The occasion was also used to celebrate the birthdays of the daughters of the Vélez family, Sheila and Charlene, and of Rebecca, daughter of the Gayoso family. In the end, those who didn’t take a dip in the sea or walk on the beach played the popular game of dominoes.
The club’s next activity is scheduled for Saturday, July 22, at the Port St. Lucie Community Center. On this occasion, we will celebrate the independence of the United States, Colombia, and Peru. We will have a cultural showcase featuring folkloric groups from Colombian Artists of West Palm Beach, Peruvian Scenes of Boynton Beach, sun-Cat Square of Port St. Lucie, and Maya Quetzal of West Palm Beach, along with the participation of “La Marimba Corn Maya” from Indiantown. In the next edition of Alam Latina, we will provide more details about the “Cultural Show 95” that the club members are planning.



Valentine 1997
Annual Valentine with Johnny’s Music at the Port St. Lucie Community center
By Sam Del Rosario
On February 8, the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” began the year 1997 with a Grand Valentine’s Dance, featuring “Johnny’s Music” from Port St. Lucie. Before the dance started, the club’s President, Tomás González, welcomed the guests, after which the DJ began to play a variety of music, and the dance floor became filled with many people enjoying the night.
Young people were seen dancing animatedly to the rhythm of the latest Latin hits of the moment, and there was also a sense of harmony and brotherhood among the members and guests. During one of the breaks, the president introduced the Board of Directors for 1997. They are as follows: Tomás González; President, Juan Carlos Gayoso; Vice President, Yolanda Sánchez; Secretary, Dr. Renee Arnao; Treasurer, and Vocal; Liliana George. Through this newspaper, we will keep you informed of our next activity for the public.



Event 1995 (Garage Sale)
Beca para los graduados del 1995 (1st Tag Sale)
By Cecilia Vignier
The members of the Spanish American Club, Inc. are working hard to raise funds for the scholarship for the year ’95. Ladies Lucy Santa and Dr. René Arnao organized a sale last Saturday of items donated by many of the members and friends. The sale was a complete success, thanks to the excellent organization and the tireless work of these two ladies from the Club.
Students graduating this year from secondary schools can apply for scholarships at their respective schools in the “Guidance” department. In Martin County: “Martin County High School” and “South Fork High School”. In St. Lucie County: “Port St. Lucie High School”, “Lincoln Park Academy”, “Central High School”, and “Westwood High School”.
There are certain requirements that must be met, such as maintaining a “B” average in grades. The student must read and write Spanish, and one of their parents must have been born in a Spanish-speaking country. Pay close attention to the date when applications will be accepted, which will be until May 31 only.
In June, the scholarship will be awarded to the selected student. For more information, you can contact Mr. Architect Néstor Carrión. The members of the Spanish American Club, Inc. are very proud to have created this scholarship, and this is the second year in which a Latino student will be the happy recipient of a $500 check to help cover the costs of their higher education expenses.


