Since the Gustavo Ipiña Memorial Scholarship was established, it has become a focal point of the Cinco de Mayo celebration at Woodrow Wilson High School.

Each year, the scholarship is awarded to an English as a second language, ESL, student who demonstrates not only academic achievement but also the spirit and determination characteristic of the Gustavo Ipiña legacy.

This year, two graduating seniors were chosen from several applicants for the $5,000 academic award.

Elsa Olvera was encouraged to apply for the scholarship by her sister, Lizeth, last year's recipient. Olvera was on stage twice during the evening — to receive her award and to dance in a segment of the Ballet Folklorico program.

Olvera will attend Eastfield College in the fall, where she will focus on fulfilling her basic coursework before moving on to the university level. She plans to major in education and be a teacher some day.

Olvera never knew Gustavo Ipiña, but she is aware of the legacy he left behind.

"He was a good student, he liked school, but he didn't have the opportunities that I have," she said.