Earlier this year, Veterans for Peace announced the annual Peace Scholarship award, a college scholarship program for Alachua County students. The scholarship competition was open to eligible high school seniors, college students, and adults who need financial support to succeed in college and who have demonstrated a commitment and leadership in activities involving peace and social justice and/or nonviolent social change.
Peace scholarship applicants were asked to provide a brief autobiographical statement and evidence of leadership and/or personal initiative in activities in an organization (including volunteer or paid work) relating to peace and social justice, conflict resolution and/or nonviolent social change. Applicants were also asked to provide two letters of recommendation. In the end, VFP awarded peace scholarships to four students in the amount of $750 each. The scholarships were awarded to:
Ryan Robinson, a high school senior at St. Francis Catholic Academy and a member of the National Honors Society and Math Honors Society.
Don Balcita, a Santa Fe College Engineering major and military veteran who plans to pursue a career in renewable energy and financial equality for all.
Taisha Saintil, a University of Florida African American Studies, Criminology and Political Science major who plans to become a social justice attorney.
Jamouri Bryan, a Santa Fe College International Studies and Civic Engagement scholar who plans to become a multicultural affairs counselor in higher education.
To learn more about the VFP Peace Scholarship so you can apply next year, visit vfpgainesville.org. There you will find detailed instructions and the application for the scholarship. If you have specific questions, contact VFP member Paul Ortiz at ortizprof@gmail.com or 831-334-0131.