The Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) awarded Indiana Wesleyan University first-generation sophomore Zaragosa Morales with the Realizing the Dream Scholarship on Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Sheraton Indianapolis at Keystone Crossing.
The award, funded by a Lilly Endowment grant, is presented annually to first-generation sophomores attending ICI institutions who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in the freshman year. Recipients will receive a $2,500 check to help with college costs, and each student’s selected “most influential” teacher/mentor will receive a $1,000 professional development grant.
“Realizing the Dream is such a great program,” said Nate Herring, executive director, Center for Student Success. “The Lily Foundation has placed a strong emphasis on education—especially for first-generation students who have a unique set of challenges to overcome. This program seeks to understand those challenges and recognize students for their academic accomplishments, which is just really amazing.”
Morales, an Indianapolis resident, joined 29 other students from ICI institutions across the state this weekend to celebrate their achievements at the 28th annual Realizing the Dream banquet. The event included a reception followed by an awards dinner. Students were encouraged to invite their families as well as the teacher or mentor whom they nominated to receive the $1,000 professional development grant. Morales chose to honor his seventh grade social studies teacher, Antonio Rivera of Miami Middle School in Fort Wayne.
“I feel quite honored to be chosen for this award,” said Morales. “It encourages me to continue looking forward to the future and what the Lord may have in store for me.”
Morales is an International Relations major who hopes to someday work in international politics or intelligence and national security.