Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund Kicks Off 2010 Scholarship Campaign

Orlando, FL, March 30, 2010 – The Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando (HHSF) announced the start of its 2010 scholarship application period during a kick-off breakfast held at the Disney Entrepreneur Center. The event attendees witnessed the installation of the organization’s new Board of Directors for 2010-2012, as well as the presentation of a launch a new logo and website.

The HHSF is the largest non-profit organization in Central Florida dedicated to providing scholarships to Hispanic students pursuing a college or university degree. To date, the program has awarded over $400,000 in scholarships to 134 students. This year, HHSF has again pledged to award $100,000 in scholarships.

The 2010 Board of Directors includes: Jaime Piñero (CenturyLink)-Chair; Julio F. Suárez (Darden)- Chair Elect; Marisol Rivera-Romany (Orlando Health)-Secretary; Paul Roldan (Allgen Financial)- Treasurer; Lizette Valarino (Orange County)-Executive Director; Betty Martinez-Lowery (Disney)- Past Chair; Woody Rodriguez (Marchena & Graham)-Legal Advisor; Directors: Tanya Easterling (BlueCrossBlueShield), Rick Hernandez (Polytechnic University), Angela Lagos (Universal), Edwin Mouriño (Lockheed Martin), Ramon Ojeda (Hispanic Chamber of Commerce), Giorgina Pinedo- Rolon (Gio Communications), Deborah Rios-Barnes (Orlando Magic) and Katie Wilder (AAA).

The meeting also provided an opportunity for college financial services representatives, counselors and media to learn about the 2010 application process with the unveiling of their new website: www.HispanicHeritageScholarshipFund.org Students can visit the website and directly download the application. Deadline for submitting the application and required documentation is 5:00 p.m., Friday, May 28th, 2010

“We have been fortunate to have awarded $400,000 in scholarships to some extraordinary students over the past 10 years,” said Lizette Valarino, executive director of the Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando. “Their resilient stories of dedication, commitment and passion for education are a source of inspiration for our entire community.”

Front row (left to right): Giorgina Pinedo Rolon, Betty Martinez-Lowery, Lizette Valarino, Katie Wilder, Deborah Rios-Barnes
Back row (left to right): Jaime Piñero, Marisol Rivera-Romany, Julio F. Suárez, Rick Hernandez, the Honorable Norberto Katz, Paul Roldan, Edwin Mouriño, Ramon Ojeda

Elena Gallo
Year in which they were awarded the HHSF Scholarship – 2006
School that she attended  -  Seminole Community College
Major – Early Childhood Management

Christian Pinto Rey
Year in which they were awarded the HHSF Scholarship – 2006 & 2007
School that he is attending  -  Embry Riddle
Major – Aeronautical Engineering