Announcing the 2011 Scholarship Recipients

The Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando (HHSFMO), a 501(C)(3) organization, is proud to announce the recipients of the 2011 Hispanic Heritage Scholarship. The recipients will be honored during the 12th Annual “Gowns and Guayaberas” gala on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

This year, the HHSFMO will once again provide over $100,000 in scholarships. The funds will be distributed to 18 Central Florida students who will each receive a $5,000 scholarship with an additional $10,000 provided to the University of Central Florida’s School of Medicine scholarship program—the final portion of HHSFMO’s four-year commitment totaling $40,000. A volunteer committee selected students based on their grade point average, an essay and financial need.

The 2011 HHSFMO scholarship recipients are:

• Alina Alvarez
• Andrés Aranguibel
• Jessica Barreto
• Richard Carrillo
• Ashley Jaramillo
• Estefanía Martinez
• Marilyn Mosquera
• Marcos Oliva
• Ruben Pabon Padin
• José Paz y Puente
• Danny Rivera
• Sebastian Sotelo
• Marizayda Torres
• Karen Vergara
• Johanan Colón
• Doris Meléndez
• Esperanza Pérez
• Edwin Pérez-Lange.

 

Through a partnership with the Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County, HHSFMO will also provide additional scholarships to two (2) law students at F.A.M.U. and Barry School of Law. These students will be announced at a later date.

The Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando has become the largest non-profit organization in Central Florida dedicated to providing scholarships for Hispanic students pursuing a college or university degree. To date, the fund has awarded more than $630,000 to help 173 exceptional students attending local colleges and universities.

The HHSFMO “Gowns and Guayaberas” gala is the organization’s primary fundraising venue for the scholarship program.

“This scholarship program is completely community driven – a community that recognizes the social and economic value of a well-educated workforce,” said Lizette Valarino, Executive Director for HHSFMO. “It is through the generosity of our business and community partners and sponsors, that this award is possible. And it is always exciting to be able to recognize and reward the hard work of these outstanding students with such brilliant potential!”

“The HHSFMO scholarship brings these students closer to their dream of attaining a college degree,” said Jaime Piñero, Board Chairman for HHSFMO. “It is with great pride that we recognize these 18 students for their effort, academic achievement and potential.”

For more information about the scholarship program, the “Gowns and Guayaberas” event, becoming a sponsor, or to make a donation, please visit http://hispanicheritagescholarshipfund.org/, or contact Lizette Valarino at hhsfmo@aol.com.

Thank you to our 2011 Sponsors!