The 20th annual Eritrean Graduation and Awards Party will take place on Saturday, June 23 from 5pm to 9pm at the Eritrean Community in Seattle & Vicinity (2402 E. Spruce Street).  The center is located on the corner of 24th Avenue and East Spruce Street in Seattle’s Central District.  The event is free, all ages and will include a resource fair, motivational words, food and dancing.

In 1992, tired of the negative focus that Eritrean youth as a whole received, despite the many youth doing positive things with their lives, Eritrean graduates and community members came together to organize this event for the first time.   From then until today, this event is organized to honor the success of Eritrean students that have graduated from high school or college, have excelled academically during the school year, or done exceptional community service.   Every year this event comes together through the hard work of volunteers and community contributions. 

This year’s program will kick off with a resource fair for youth and their families with information about educational and social services available to them this summer and beyond.  Afterwards, we will hear from honored guest speakers from the State Superintendent’s office and the Northwest Education Loan Association (NELA) Center for Student Success as well as a keynote address by Eritrean dental school graduate Fesaha Gebrehiwet.  Graduates will also say a few words about what getting their diplomas and degrees means for them and for their families.  After the ceremony’s conclusion, there will be music and tradition Eritrean dancing, as well as traditional Eritrean food and American barbecue.

This event is free and all ages.  All members of the community are invited to come and share in the celebration!

For more information please call 206-434-6584 or 206-323-6627 or visit our Facebook Page.