Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund recognizes four Seminole State students

Photo: (L-R) Aimmy De Jesus Rodriguez, Lidia Galeas-Giron , Altamonte Springs Campus Dean of Students Mercedes Bermejo, Luis Lopez, and Jennifer Castañeda.

Four Seminole State College of Florida students have been awarded scholarships from the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando. In all, more than $75,000 in scholarships funds were awarded at the annual awards ceremony held Oct. 3 at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club.

Seminole State students Jennifer Castañeda, Lidia Galeas-Giron, Luis Lopez, and Aimmy De Jesus Rodriguez, were among the 18 Central Florida students awarded scholarships this year. 

Jennifer Castañeda – Nursing
 As a Stage III cancer survivor, Castañed’s life mission is to provide exemplary care to people in similar situations and embody compassion in every aspect of her life. After becoming an RN, she plans to become a nurse practitioner specializing in women’s health and family practice. Jennifer lives to give back to the community. Her most memorable volunteering experience was as a “cuddler” in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where she cuddled babies in critical condition when parents were not able to do so.

Lidia Galeas-Giron – Molecular Cell Biology
 Galeas-Giron’s professional dream is to become a doctor and serve the immigrant communities of Central Florida that lack access to social and health resources. Linda volunteers at Shepherd’s Hope and has donated more than 150 hours to the Hope CommUnity Center as a math and language tutor to elementary aged students, and as an assistant in the center’s Citizenship Preparation program helping to conduct mock interviews for U.S. residents to prepare for the naturalization interview.

Luis Lopez – Business Administration

As a first-generation college student, Lopez quickly realized the benefit of making connections and developing a support system. So much, that he volunteers as a First-Generation Peer Mentor to help first-generation college freshmen and is recognized as a leader among this group by college advisors. Luis’ biggest inspiration is his family. By earning a bachelor’s degree in business, Luis aspires to become someone who can provide and help his family and others.

Aimmy De Jesus Rodriguez – Information Systems Technology

De Jesus Rodriguez plans to pursue a career in law enforcement with a special focus on computer forensics.  Her dream is to aid in the apprehension and incarceration of those who choose to defy the law and ultimately, to help make our community safer. In addition to working full-time and managing a full course load, Aimmy is a proud single mother. In everything she does, Aimmy strives to inspire her daughter to reach for her dreams regardless of the roadblocks set in front of her. 

Since its inception in 2000, the scholarship fund and its partners have provided $1.73 million in scholarships to help more than 350 students pursue a college education.