This past Wednesday, Republic FC’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month made its way to the pitch as the club held its annual Noche Latina match at Heart Health Park. Alongside dancers on the field, a special in-stadium emcee, and much more, the club recognized another local student for their contributions to the region’s local Hispanic Community as a part of the ongoing Indomitable Scholars Series.
At halftime of the club’s match against Phoenix Rising FC, Republic FC’s community investment team presented Woodland High School senior Talia Cadena with a $1,000 scholarship courtesy of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Cadena was selected by a panel of Republic FC and SHCC staff, including CEO Cathy Rodriguez Aguirre and Foundation Board President Veronica Delgado Rodriguez, for her unwavering focus on her academics and service to her peers, community, and individuals in need.
Cadena has served fellow youth in the Woodland community for over six years, supporting the Woodland Public Library Teen Advisory Board and Woodland Volunteer Food closet to help teens and others in need. Outside of the community, she’s been a constant leader in athletics and the classroom, captaining her school’s Cross Country and Debate teams and earning Academic All-League honors for three years running in both Cross Country as well as Track and Field. She plans to attend the University of California, Los Angeles in the fall to study Theater and Creative Writing.
“I come from a really small town of a lot of hardworking students who are mostly Latino, so I really hope that receiving this award will show them that whatever you put your mind to you can do it,” said Cadena. “No matter where you come from, no matter if you are part of a minority you can do whatever you want to do.”
Cadena is the eighth local student awarded a scholarship through the club’s Indomitable Scholars series, which since 2019 has recognized those who show exceptional scholastic leadership and community involvement. She is the third student honored with the award this season. Christian Brothers High School senior Marleah Barry was awarded a scholarship in February courtesy of the club and the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce, and Sacramento City College Student Samuel Lewis was honored in June in partnership with the Sacramento LGBT Community Center.
