The second class of recipients of onePULSE Foundation’s scholarship program was announced May 18.
The legacy scholarships honor the 49 lives that were taken in the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando on June 12, 2016.
More than $236,000 in scholarships was awarded in all. The program provides academic opportunities to those who “embody love, hope, unity, courage and unconditional acceptance.” The scholarships are to be used during the 2021-2022 academic year.
The nonprofit onePULSE Foundation was established after the shooting to help preserve the legacy of those who were killed through its education programs and the establishment of both a memorial and a museum.
Officials said they worked with the families and loved ones of those who were killed to establish the scholarships based on the respective victims’ interests, careers or aspirations — called an “Angel” designation.
“As an extension of their impact on our world, the scholarships will inspire and empower students who share similar dreams, ambitions and goals,” a statement read.
Preference was given to applicants who are immediate family members of the 49 victims, as well as all of the survivors of the tragedy. Five family members, two survivors, 10 legacy scholars from the inaugural class, five trade and technical students, 32 undergraduates and 12 graduate students were awarded scholarships, officials said.
A committee of 17 community members scored three phases of a review process and made the final selections. The committee did not know the names of the applicants until the final interview stage. Officials said many factors were considered when assessing applicants, including their personal story, financial need or independence, strong academic or self-improvement interest, and proven track record of leadership, community involvement and/or work experience.
More than 150 completed applications were received, and the second class represents incoming freshmen majoring in aerospace engineering, business, communications, clinical mental health counseling, international relations and the performing arts. Some recipients are involved in nursing, beauty and cosmetology schools, or are pursuing advanced degrees in medicine and law.
Scholarship awards are up to $10,000 for use at an accredited institution of higher learning, including career and technical schools.
The second class of recipients and their respective Angel designation are as follows:
Luis Moros – Akyra Monet Murray
Sabrina Jean-Charles – Alejandro Barrios Martinez
Kathryn Thurston – Amanda L. Alvear
Victoria Humphrey – Angel Candelario-Padro
Solomon Brooks – “Angel of Acceptance”
Megan Leinenbach – “Angel of Hope”
Brandi Milliner – “Angel of Strength”
Victoria Edwards – “Angel of Unity”
Elijah Vives – Anthony Luis Laureano Disla
Laura Katz – Antonio "Tony" Brown
Brooklyn McCool – Brenda Marquez McCool
Sage Croft – Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz
Tiffany Woods – Cory James Connell
Jonathan Beltran Torres – Darryl Roman Burt II
Shepherd Drayton – Deonka "Dee Dee" Drayton
Sarah Clein – Eddie Jamal Droy Justice
Hattie Bellino – Eddie Sotomayor, Jr.
Georgia Bernbaum – Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera
Meera Kochhar – Frank Hernandez
Yahaira Rivera – Franky Jimmy DeJesus Velázquez
Caidin Smith – Gerardo A. Ortiz Jimenez
Kate Aldinger – Gilberto R. Silva Menendez
Myreanna Bebe – Jason Benjamin Josaphat
Cody Donaldson – Javier Jorge Reyes
Rosamaria Febo – Jean C. Mendez Perez
Quran Howard – Jean Carlos Nieves Rodriguez
Elyana Hutson – Jerry Wright
Edwin Miguel Rodriguez – Joel Rayon Paniagua
Amelia Leon – Jonathan A. Camuy Vega
Alexia Drayton – Juan Chavez Martinez
Jon Atchison – Juan Pablo Rivera Velázquez
Jack Cocchiarella – Juan Ramon Guerrero
Julia Jamieson – Kimberly Jean Morris
Adon Cox – Leroy Valentin Fernandez
Logan Alvarez – Luis D. Conde
Alejandra Espinel – Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon
Jay Jones – Luis Omar Ocasio Capo
Kimberly Vielma – Luis Sergio Vielma
Fabiana Diez-Cianferoni – Martin Benitez Torres
Valentina Diaz – Mercedez Marisol Flores
Gwendolyn Smith – Miguel Angel Honorato
Elizabeth Tichenor – Oscar A. Aracena Montero
Samuel Vilchez Santiago – Paul Terrell Henry
Nader Tabsh – Rodolfo Ayala Ayala
Alex Allen – Shane Evan Tomlinson
Eriyan Barrett – Stanley Almodovar III
Thuy-ThuongNguyen – Tevin Eugene Crosby
Reagan Nehring – Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado
Carter Ford – Yilmary Rodríguez Solivan
More information is at onepulsefoundation.org.
