LAHC officials with the awarded students – Photo by Bill Chapman.

DEARBORN — The Lebanese American Heritage Club distributed $100,000 in scholarships at its 28th annual award gala on May 6.

The LAHC also honored Ziad Ojakli, group vice president for government and community relations at Ford Motor Company, and Veronika Scott, the founder of the Empowerment Plan. The event was attended by notable community members and elected officials. 

LAHC Executive Director Wassim Mahfouz stressed the importance of education as one of the core missions of the organization. He also highlighted the LAHC’s school-linked substance abuse prevention program.

“Mental health is a major issue in our community,” Mahfouz said. “We cannot keep ignoring the elephant in the room. We cannot afford losing our kids to drugs and substance abuse. As a father of two, I want my children to grow up in a safe community, free of drugs and violence.”

He called on individuals and organizations to cooperate to tackle drug abuse. 

Mahfouz said the LAHC has formed a “drug free community coalition” compromised of law enforcement agencies, schools, organizations and media outlets. 

“We may not be able to put a complete end to this epidemic,” Mahfouz added. “However, if we are able to save one life and spare a mother the grief of losing her son or her daughter, I feel like we have accomplished something.”

Judge Sam Salamey, president of the LAHC, welcomed the attendees, giving a special nod to the former Dean of the House of Representatives, John Dingell, and his wife, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D- Dearborn).

Ojakli praised the LAHC’s work and congratulated the scholarship recipients. 

“Be proud of who you are, where you come from; never forget,” he advised the students. “Follow your passion. Follow what motivates you through your college and your career and, I think, the rest will take care of itself.”

Ojakli also emphasized the importance of the “underestimated skill” of listening. 

“Listening is learning,” he said. “Understanding is learning.”

Scott, the other honoree, founded a manufacturing company that employs homeless workers to make weather-resistant coats for the less fortunate. She is 24.

This year, the LAHC awarded five scholarships in the name of late community activist Mustapha Hammoud; 36 students received scholarships.