by Jennifer Mosscrop
Award: FORD SPIRIT OF ACCOMPLISHMENT SCHOLASTIC CONTEST
Amount: $2,000 to 75 students
Deadline: Check www.fordenespanol.com for next year's deadlines and to download an application.
Details: Write an essay of 300 words or less on the topic to be announced. Open to students across the country with a GPA of 3.0 or better.
Real-Winner Secret:
"It's a great opportunity -- it encourages kids to get help so they can pursue their education," says Carolina Villatoro, a senior at the School of Education and Social Services at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center (Dallas, TX). She was the grand-prize winner of Ford's Eighth Annual Spirit of Accomplishment Scholastic Essay Contest, making her the brand new owner of a 2005 Ford Focus, and a $2,000 scholarship.
Her new car (dark gray was her choice) arrived June 22. "I'm truly excited about my new Focus!" says Carolina. Not to mention that the college cash will enable Carolina to be the first member in her family to attend a four-year university. "I'm happy, and I'm making my mom proud, " she says.
When asked to write about what she thinks her generation's contribution to society should be and why, Carolina focused on being a teacher. "We can contribute to society by teaching younger generations to better themselves and accomplish their goals," she says.
"With the increase of Spanish-speaking immigrants in our country, our society will need more bilingual teachers to help others like me reach their dreams," she wrote in her award-winning essay. "Teaching is not the most glamorous or high-paying career, but it's a profession that will allow me to reach out to others."
This fall, Carolina will continue her educational journey at the University of Texas at Arlington where she will study bilingual education. She aspires to teach elementary students. "My family's struggles [and] the realization that Hispanics will one day carry the dreams of this country have made it clear to me that my generation's mission is to educate, mentor, and guide others," she confides.
To apply online go to http://www.collegebound.net/studentrewards/scholarships/ford.html
