Rio Grande Valley students who are members of Village in the Valley rewarded with higher education scholarships

(MCALLEN, TX) (July 10, 2023) Village in the Valley (ViVa), a prominent community organization dedicated to elevating and uniting the Black community while fostering connections with other cultures in the Rio Grande Valley, is thrilled to announce the recipients of its annual scholarship program. Five outstanding local students have been selected as winners and awarded a total of $5,000 in scholarships.

The scholarship program, designed to recognize exceptional academic achievements and community engagement, attracted numerous talented high school seniors who are members in good standing of Village in the Valley. Applicants were required to submit compelling essays on various topics, ranging from fostering unity to civil rights heroes. Through their insightful contributions, these students demonstrated their commitment to promoting positive change and addressing crucial social issues.

After an extensive evaluation process, the scholarship committee proudly selected the following students as this year’s scholarship winners:

  1. Efe Martins – Awarded $1,000
  2. Ketny Nicoleau – Awarded $1,000
  3. Autri Ormond – Awarded $1,000
  4. Abraham Hernandez – Awarded $500
  5. Nyles Dos Santos de Oliveira – Awarded $500
  6. Allen Jordan – Awarded $500
  7. Albert Mabadeje – Awarded $500

To celebrate the exceptional achievements of these bright young individuals, Village in the Valley organized an in-person award ceremony during the Juneteenth Perfecting Unity Celebration. The event, held on June 10 at the Edinburg Conference Center at the Renaissance, provided an opportunity for the community to come together and honor the scholarship winners in a joyous atmosphere filled with pride, unity, and appreciation for their accomplishments.

The selection of finalists for the Village in the Valley scholarships was based on a range of criteria, including exceptional leadership skills, active participation in service organizations, clubs, and other student groups both at school and within the wider community. These remarkable students have demonstrated not only academic excellence but also a strong commitment to making a positive impact on society.

Village in the Valley remains committed to its mission of elevating and uniting the Black community while fostering connections with other cultures in the Rio Grande Valley. Through initiatives like the scholarship program, the organization aims to empower young leaders, promote educational opportunities, and encourage the pursuit of social justice.

About Village in the Valley

Village in the Valley (ViVa) is a community organization based in the Rio Grande Valley dedicated to elevating and uniting the Black community while fostering connections with other cultures. Through various initiatives and events, ViVa strives to empower individuals, promote cultural diversity, and advocate for social justice. To learn more about Village in the Valley, please visit www.villageinthevalley.org.