How We Began
When Lila Silvern retired in 2002 from the Los Angeles Unified School District, she was honored with a gift and request that it be used for a scholarship to honor her son, Drew.
Because of her professional dedication to providing English instruction to immigrant, refugee and migrant students and her son's work as an education journalist, she wanted to continue serving these students in their quest for higher education.
A group of friends, family and co-workers were invited to join as board members in 2005 and planned the first Memorial Day picnic to raise money for the four students who had applied for scholarships.
Over the years the picnic has grown into a Fiesta held close to Drew's birthday. There is music, Mexican food and drawings. All services, supplies, printing and mailing expenses are donated by a generous and hard working board.