Juliet Arcila Rojas Receives Leadership Award from Latino Student Fund

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Juliet Arcila Rojas, a senior this fall at Randolph-Macon Academy, received a leadership award from the Latino Student Fund.

FRONT ROYAL , VA (08/16/2012)(readMedia)-- When Juliet Arcila Rojas returned to campus today for cadre (student leader) registration, she did so with another honor on her resume. Over the summer, the Randolph-Macon Academy senior was given a Leadership Award by the Latino Student Fund. Juliet is the daughter of Florinda Rojas of Olney, MD, and Carlos Arcila of Baltimore, MD.

"Juliet Arcila Rojas, a junior at Randolph-Macon Academy, is described by her Academic Dean as an 'exemplary leader' and a 'model citizen' who 'embraces every opportunity to make her school community a better place.' According to her college counselor, 'Juliet continually strives to go above and beyond in all that she does,'" one of the emcees read as part of her introduction.

The introduction, full of accolades of the three nominations Juliet received from different departments at R-MA, continued. "As a member of the National Honor Society and peer tutor, she leads others to academic success. A member of the Student Life Committee, her peers regularly seek her counsel. She is an award winning athlete on four different sports teams. This past year, Juliet was invited to attend Randolph Macon's elite Air Force JROTC leadership camp, and was appointed Cadet First Sergeant of a 91-member squadron. Juliet's Commandant has described her as a wonderful problem-solver and role model. She is hailed as an 'invaluable team member.' It is clear that Juliet is a natural leader in all of her endeavors."

The Latino Student Fund (LSF) annual Showcase of Scholars was held Thursday evening, June 7, 2012 at American University's Katzen Center, to honor the LSF Scholars Program students. Radio personalities Alejandro Negron and Belen Barriga emceed the event.

Some of Washington's most influential Hispanic leaders and community supporters were in attendance: Marta Estarellas (Inter-American Development Bank), Angela Franco (Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce), Carl Hairston (M&T Bank), Roxana Olivas (Office of Latino Affairs), Darlene Slaughter (Fannie Mae), Carlos Vasquez (New York Life), and others. Ms. Marta Estarellas, Youth and Community Development Specialist for the IDB-DC Solidarity Program and Mr. Joe Martin, LSF SAT Preparatory Course instructor were presented with the Community Award for their contributions to the LSF. The LSF also recognized its corporate sponsors that have been instrumental in providing support for the Scholars Program: The Bancroft Foundation, Children's Charities Foundation, FedEx, Freddie Mac Foundation, Mattress Warehouse, Procter & Gamble, and others.

Keynote speaker Mario Acosta-Velez (Verizon), gave the Scholars practical advice and discussed overcoming barriers in the professional world. Rosalia Miller, LSF Co-Founder and Board Chair, aptly remarked "this is all for the kids." Each Scholar was given a certificate of completion, and three high school Scholars were given special awards for academic achievement, community service, and leadership.

The LSF is a non-profit organization that equips PreK-12 Latino students and their families with the tools they need to thrive, through scholarships, academic support services and informational outreach. The LSF's ultimate goal for its students is higher education and professional leadership. The Scholars Program offers financial assistance and mentoring to students who attend local independent and parochial schools until they graduate. Approximately 90 students will be awarded over $100,000 this academic year. The LSF Scholars have had a 100% high school graduation and college matriculation rate since the program began. This year's graduates will attend Catholic University, Columbia University, Goucher College, Long Island University and Stanford University.

For further information on the Latino Student Fund, call (202) 244-3438 or visit programs@latinostudentfund.org.

Randolph-Macon Academy (R-MA), founded in 1892, is a college-preparatory, coeducational day and boarding school for students in grades 6 through 12. Students in grades 9-12 participate in R-MA's 91st Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) and have the option to participate in a unique flight program. R-MA is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is located in Front Royal, VA.

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