MONTEBELLO – Students painted their faces like skulls and danced classic folkorico ensembles at Montebello Unified’s Applied Technology Center during the fifth annual Diá de los Muertos Scholarships for Scholars celebration and harvest festival, which raised scholarship funds for graduating students.

The event sought to ensure that all local high school students, including those with immigrant status, have access to higher education. The Oct. 14 night featured colorful altars memorializing loved ones, calacas necklace and calavera spoon crafts for children, and dance performances by Montebello Unified students.

“It is so important for us to support our families in every way leading up to their student’s college journey,” Montebello Unified parental involvement specialist Katie Navarro said. “Through Scholarships for Scholars, students who may not be eligible for financial aid have a chance to pursue those dreams.”

Scholarships for Scholars of Montebello was formed 10 years ago so all students, including immigrants, would have a chance to attend college.

“Sending our students to college is one of our top priorities as a District,” Board President Benjamin Cardenas said. “This event evokes many of our students’ heritage and customs while also instilling the belief that every student should have the opportunity to pursue higher education.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

101416_MUSD_LOSMUERTOS1: The Cesar Chavez Elementary All-Star Azteca Dancers perform a classical folklorico dance during the fifth annual Diá de los Muertos Scholarships for Scholars celebration and harvest festival at Montebello Unified’s Applied Technology Center on Oct. 14.

101416_MUSD_LOSMUERTOS2: Colorful, intricate altars were placed throughout Montebello Unified’s Applied Technology Center on Oct. 14 during the fifth annual Diá de los Muertos Scholarships for Scholars celebration and harvest festival.