The Board awards Graduates with Scholarships

THE REVEREND RAYMOND RIVERA COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

The Reverend Raymond Rivera LPAC Community Service Award was established by Family Life Academy Charter Schools (FLACS) Founder and Board Member Reverend Raymond Rivera in 2013. This scholarship award of $250 is presented to four graduating eighth grade students from the FLACS network schools, who have demonstrated leadership qualities; served as role models and mentors to their peers, and have participated in civic engagement activities through community service projects. This year's award presenter was Board Member, Ms. Susan Rivera Leon.

Presented to Isabel De La Cruz, Lizabel Calderon, Destiny Irizarry, and Ethnee Guzman; Class of '17

The criteria for potential candidates for this scholarship are FLACS scholars that have exhibited strong “core affirming human values” and commitment to being active leaders in their school and local communities. They will have completed a minimum of 100 hours in local community service project(s), have a track record of academic excellence, active engagement in family life, promoting non-violence behavior through conflict resolution in their community, served as a role model through encouragement of others and as advocates for strengthening communities through service projects.

Founder and Board member Reverend Raymond Rivera has been a community builder and activist for over 50 years in the South Bronx. He was able to mobilize parents and community leaders in creating FLACS to address the educational crisis in this community. Reverend Rivera views these scholarships as an investment towards preparing future FLACS leaders for active civic life in strengthening the vitality of our communities and our democracy.

P. ALVAREZ ASSOCIATES CORP. SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

The P. Alvarez and Associates Corporation Scholarship Award was established by Family Life Academy Charter Schools (FLACS) Board Member Pedro Alvarez in 2016. This scholarship award of $500 is presented to one female and one male graduating eighth grade student from the FLACS network schools, with aspirations to pursue a career in business. The award is presented by Valerie Alvarez, a FLACS Alumni of the first graduating class, and daughter of Mr. Alvarez. Note this year's award presenter was Mr. Pedro Alvarez.

Presented to Narelyn Villacorta; Class of '17

Presented to Sihon Reid; Class of '17

The criteria for potential candidates for this scholarship is the submission of a business plan that highlights the students interest in a business career and outlines how that business venture will promote economic development in their community. Based on the essays and business plans provided, Mr. Alvarez and his daughter will select the two finalists to win the award of $500 each.

Mr. Alvarez is a successful businessman and community activist who created this scholarship to acknowledge the role of entrepreneurs and small businesses to the revitalization of urban communities such as the Bronx. He views these scholarships as an investment in future FLACS entrepreneurs on the path way to career success.

FAMILY LIFE ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL ANTHEIA AWARDS

The Family Life Academy Charter Schools Antheia* Award was created by Family Life Academy Charter Schools (FLACS) Emeritus Chairman Francisco Lugoviña and Noemi Santana. This scholarship award of $100 is presented to four graduating eighth grade students from the FLACS network schools, who have demonstrated leadership and commitment in promoting the FLACS gardening, health and nutrition initiative.

Presented to Breanna Kimbrough, Jerine Gonzalez, Jose Tolentino, and Destiny Tavarez; Class of '17

These scholars have served the FLACS community through their stewardship of the FLACS gardens, training and mentoring of seventh graders in sustaining a healthy and sustainable environment through hydroponic and rooftop gardening and by mentoring elementary students in the practice of urban gardening within an ecologically sustainable manner. Teachers working with students in the areas of health, wellness, nutrition, and/or science recommend graduating students as candidates for these awards. Students present a 350 word essay demonstrating their active participation in the above cited areas and or participate in an interview with the donors.

Emeritus Chairman Francisco Lugoviña and Noemi Santana have served as advocates in promoting a tradition of gardening, health, wellness and nutrition at FLACS I since the school’s founding in 2001. They were also instrumental in establishing the FLACS I Healthy Meals Program and Edible and Learning School Garden.

These scholarships are seen by Emeritus Chairman Francisco Lugoviña and Noemi Santana as ensuring that this tradition and practice will continue within the school network as well create FLACS advocates that will promote a new way of thinking about nutrition and health for their local community.