Thirteen Tulsa area students each have received $3,000 college scholarships from the Hispanic American Foundation of Tulsa. The annual awards are funded through HAF Tulsa’s Noche de Gala fundraising event. The Foundation made the awards this year even though the gala event was canceled in 2020 due to Covid restrictions.
According to Pedro Mari, HAF Tulsa president, the Foundation received 30 percent more scholarship applications this year than in recent years and funded one in four scholarship applications.
“We believe education is the means by which each person can be equipped to succeed. Many of our students are first in their families to attend college, and most have substantial financial need. Helping students overcome barriers to college advances their hope in and promise of the American dream,” Mari said.
Students complete an online application, and a HAF Tulsa scholarship committee evaluates these based on academic record, financial need, work ethic, and students’ appreciation for their families‘ heritage and/or cultural traditions.
HAF Tulsa hopes to fund more scholarships, including current college student retention scholarships, in 2022.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
QuikTrip HAF-Awarded Scholarships: Maya Belen Reeves, Jenks High School, Biochemistry; Bryan Flores, Union High School, Pre-medicine; Ana Ochoa, Will Rogers High School, Pre-law
HAF Direct-Award Scholarships: Garrett Bland, Booker T. Washington High School, Broadcast Journalism; Ethan Gonzalo, Jenks High School, Meteorology; Briceira Bernal, Union High School, Pre-medicine; Van Zir, Jenks High School, Nursing; Alexander Juarez, Memorial High School, Construction Management; Cienna Oniwa, Jenks High School, Nursing; Yesenia Portillo, Union High School, Pre-medicine; Alexis Avarez, Jenks High School, Music.
Two additional scholarship awards were made by the Board of Directors in memory of long-time Board members–Dr. Luis Reinoso and Dr. Jose Medina.
HAF Dr. Luis Reinoso Memorial Scholarship: Emily Dancourt, Tulsa Community College, Biology
HAF Dr. Jose Medina Memorial Scholarship: Stephany Chisum, University of Tulsa
HAF Tulsa is a nonprofit organization operating under IRS Rule 501(c)(3). Learn more about partnerships and sponsorships for the Noche de Gala here.