UNF Students and Alumnus Receive Achieving the Dream Scholarships

Joanna Norris, Associate Director

Department of Public Relations

(904) 620-2102

Several University of North Florida students and a graduate were recent recipients of a 2010 Achieving the Dream scholarship, a joint venture of the Mayor’s Hispanic American Advisory Board (MHAAB) and the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FCHCC). Scholarship recipients received $2,000 each September 17 at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront.

Scholarship recipients include MHAAB winners UNF seniors Maria Pena of Mandarin and Jose Restrepo of Mandarin, as well as sophomore Cassandra Santiago of Orange Park and UNF alumnus Michael Gropper, who graduated in May with a degree in Communications and is currently attending American University Washington College of Law. FCHCC winners include UNF senior Oscar Ortiz of the Westside, junior Gianinna Cooper of Fernandina Beach, and graduate student Diego Molina, who lives on the Southside.

“We have been truly fortunate to have the support of our local business community to help these young Hispanic students get closer to achieving their own American Dream. A good education is the key to their success,” said Leon Carrero, chair, Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Board.

For more than 13 years, the MHAAB and FCHCC have awarded college scholarships to First Coast students of Hispanic decent. In late 2008, the two organizations joined forces to help address the increasing challenge for Hispanic students to pay for and stay in college.

The MHAAB consists of members appointed by the mayor to effectively recognize the concerns and desires of the Jacksonville Hispanic community. FCHCC is Northeast Florida’s strong, unifying voice to promote and encourage Hispanic business throughout the region.

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