Headliners
First in Line
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Left to right: Lizette Valarino, executive director of the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando, Cindy Duque, president of the Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida (HBACF) and Barry Law School Dean Leticia Diaz honor Barry law student Josue Merino (second from left) at HBACF’s Installation Dinner in January. |
Barry Law School student Josue Merino was awarded the first-ever joint scholarship from the Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida (HBACF) and the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando. Merino, who received a $5,000 scholarship, was formally honored by the HBACF at its Installation Dinner in January.
The scholarship is intended to support the cultivation of future Hispanic lawyers and encourage them to become active in the local legal community. In addition to his academic accomplishments, Merino, a second-year law student, was chosen as this year’s recipient due to the leadership he demonstrated in the Hispanic community both on and off campus.
“This scholarship is a testament to the many talented and well-deserving students at our law school,” said Barry Law School Dean Leticia Diaz. “I am delighted that Josue was chosen as the first recipient of this scholarship, and I’m confident he will continue to make all of us very proud. I thank the HBACF and the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund for recognizing his accomplishments.”
The idea to start a scholarship began with a contribution of $1,000 made by an HBACF member. Following the donation, the HBACF and the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund each agreed to contribute $2,500 toward the fund, resulting in the $5,000 scholarship.
The Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando has awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships since 2001, and has supported the development of 115 Hispanic
students in Central Florida. |
