For immediate release – May 25, 2023
Contacts: The Bolívar Network – TheBolivarNetwork@gmail.com
The Bolívar Network Announces 2023 First-Year Scholarship Recipient, Distributes Award of $1,500 this Spring to Incoming Student Araceli Soto Constancio
The Bolívar Network’s First-Year Scholarship provides funds for an exceptional Hispanic/Latinx high school student from the Commonwealth of Virginia to incentivize them to attend the University of Virginia. Founded on the core principles of leadership and service to the Hispanic and Latinx community, this Scholarship recognizes the extraordinary talent of students in our community and their ability to create a lasting impact on the University, the surrounding Charlottesville community, and future post-graduate plans. Currently a one-time scholarship awarded to an incoming student entering their first-year, the scholarship committee plans to grow both the number of scholarships and amount awarded each year.
The First-Year Scholarship was originally created in 2009 under the leadership of Hernando Herrera (‘89) and Jenny Willier Murphy (‘89) during their time on The Bolívar Network’s Board and with a generous donation from Alexandria Arriaga (‘87). Coinciding with Hernando and Jenny’s 20th Reunion, they both made separate five-year pledges and launched the Network’s first Capital Campaign for 2010-2015 which fundraised $22,000 out of the $100,000 goal.
The 2023 First-Year Scholarship Committee was chaired by Hernando Herrera. In addition to Jenny Murphy, Committee members included Admissions Vice-Chair Jason Puryear (‘09), Bolívar Network Chair Claudia Quintero (‘11), student leader Ingrid Ramos (‘23), and inaugural First-Year Scholarship Recipient Kiara Barrientos (‘24). Through a collaboration between the Committee, Scholarship & Awards Vice-Chair Hannah “Mel” Borja (‘19), and the team at the UVA Alumni Association, the release of the third First-Year Scholarship award was made possible.
We are pleased to announce that the 2023 First-Year Scholarship Recipient is Arceli Soto Constancio. Araceli has done everything in her power – both inside and outside of the classroom – to make her community more inclusive. While in school, she created an English tutoring program for speakers of other languages (ESOL) and worked to raise awareness about the struggles posed by language barriers. She will start at the University in the Fall of 2023.
We appreciate any support, small or large, to make this goal a reality. If you would like to contribute to the First-Year Scholarship or to other initiatives and awards from The Bolívar Network please donate here.