L-R: Ashley Garrido, Susan Jacobi, school counselor, Aaron Roussey, principal, Azucena Valasquez
Who inspires you? Express yourself!
This challenge went out to juniors at Union High School in Grand Rapids. The prize is a cash award to help the students with expenses related to their plans after high school. We are pleased to present a $500 cash Impact Award to 3 students this year! The students applied by submitting an entry using their choice of media along with a personal statement describing the person who inspires them.
Ashley Garrido wrote an essay describing her exploration of those in her life who she might consider as role models, finally coming to the realization that her best friend Kelease inspires her and is her role model. Kelease’s support and encouragement to work hard and achieve at school made her a perfect choice.
Azucena Velasquez created a 3D drawing of her father. The drawing, which must be viewed with special red and blue glasses, depicts in blue, Azucena’s father as a young man crying as he covers the eyes of a little girl (Azucena) and in red, the father and daughter smiling. In a moving statement, Azucena described her father as her role model who inspires her to stand up for her beliefs and to never give up no matter how bad things get.
Doris Sanchez Pineiro, who was on a class trip in DC and not able to attend in person, sent in a video statement explaining her entry which is a drawing of her father who is her role model. The black and white drawing of her father is surrounded by colorful plants and flowers which he loves. They remind Doris of her father who taught her to be strong, be herself, and care for others.
We are honored to present the award to these 3 deserving young women!
