Causes: Advocacy, Children and Youth, Education
Students with dyslexia are often misunderstood and stigmatized by their teachers and peers. This combined with a lack of resources to educate students and parents about accommodations contributes to the high dropout rate for students with learning differences. However, research shows that dyslexic thinking has the exact skills organizations need to thrive in today’s complex and rapidly changing world. Dyslexics think differently, and that’s a good thing! ALDC aims to help young El Pasoans with dyslexia pursue their dreams whether that be through a traditional academic route or not. We are invested in creating a future where dyslexic minds, like Ari’s, are valued.
We awarded our first scholarship earlier this year to PJ Chavez, a graduate of Eastwood High School. He is currently attending The University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he is studying sports communications.
Ari attended MacArthur Elementary/Middle School. He went on to graduate from Coronado High School where he was a part of the track and field team. Throughout his schooling, Ari struggled with dyslexia and ADHD. Despite this Ari was an avid reader who could be found listening to audiobooks at full speed. Ari thrived in fast-paced environments and loved doing hands-on work.
An experienced rock climber he was a guide at Hueco Tanks State Park before attending Eastern Kentucky University to pursue his dream of being an arson investigator. He was unable to finish his degree due to a lack of funds. Ari didn’t let that stop him—he tried his hand at being a firefighter, an EMT, and a mine rescuer in Carlsbad, NM. Ari loved helping people. Most recently, Ari had spent the last six years staging events all over Alaska. He walked on glaciers, flew in helicopters, and caught Halibut as tall as he was.
The Ari-Luis Demetrio Cordova Memorial Scholarship honors Ari’s adventurous and kind-hearted spirit and hopes to inspire those same attributes in those who receive the scholarship.
