U-46 superintendent hands out first scholarships

The first Superintendent’s Scholarships were handed out Tuesday to 21 Elgin Area School District U-46 high school seniors who are the first in their immediate families to attend college.

Each student received a $1,000 scholarship to be used toward tuition, room and board or books.

Superintendent Jose Torres started the scholarship program to support students who have overcome obstacles throughout their school careers.

“These scholarships will support students who may not have straight A’s or have demonstrated the traditional accomplishments associated with scholarships — but who have made significant changes during their high school careers,” Torres said in a message to parents and students earlier this year. “They are on the road to success yet need our help and support. This effort is consistent with our school district’s aim of preparing all students for both college and the workplace.”

The recipients of the awards are:

Bartlett High School: Brianna Bedi;

Elgin High School: Daniela Hipolito De La Paz, Diep Nguyen, Norma Rodriguez, Juana Soto, Omar Villafuerte and Erica Jaquelin Vivaldo;

Larkin High School: Marisol Bribiescas, Jacob Flores, Melissa Gross, Maria Lira, Shelby Matison, Gerardo Mendoza and Brianna Ripoli;

South Elgin High School: Lauren Rose Colianni, Victoria Riscossa and Karina Romo;

Streamwood High School: Michelle Gaviria, Gabriella Imeri, Evann Sommers and Bianca Vargas.