The Miami HEAT has awarded $10,000 in scholarships to four graduating high school seniors for use toward their college education. Jacqueline Reyes, graduate of Felix Varela Sr. High; Alteasha L. Ervin, graduate of Miami Carol City Sr. High; Odalys Santos, graduate of Miami Springs Senior High; and Joshua T. Rey, graduate of South Miami Senior High, each won $2500 in scholarships after being selected from a pool of over 400 talented applicants as part of the HEAT’s annual scholarship program.

This is the eighth consecutive year that the Miami HEAT has offered academic scholarships. Each year, in conjunction with the Miami HEAT Family Outreach Charitable Fund, the Miami HEAT bestows three $2,500 Miami HEAT Scholarship awards. These scholarships are given to graduating seniors who have excelled in the areas of academics and community service throughout their high school careers and who need additional financial assistance in order to attend an accredited college or university. In addition, the HEAT annually awards one $2,500 Jack Ramsay Scholarship to an eligible graduating high school senior who aspires to pursue a degree and career in Sports Journalism at an accredited college or university. This scholarship was created by the HEAT in honor of Dr. Jack Ramsay, Hall of Fame coach and the HEAT’s former television analyst for eight years.

The following are brief descriptions of each of this year’s winners:

Jacqueline Reyes, Miami HEAT Scholarship Award winner: Jacqueline, a member of the National Honor Society, graduated from Felix Varela Senior High School in the top 7% of her class, ranking 50 out of 806 seniors at her school. The Miami resident also distinguished herself as the Recruiting Officer and spokeswoman for the Aerospace Technology Academy, most notably earning her student pilot wings by passing the Federal Aviation Administration Pilot Exam with a score of 98%. Jacqueline was also an active member of the National Honor Society, Wings Club, Phi Beta Chi, and the Principal Advisory Council. Jacqueline will attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the Fall and plans to major in Aeronautical Science.

Alteasha L. Ervin, Miami HEAT Scholarship Award winner: Alteasha served as Senior Class President of Miami Carol City High School and as a member of the Criminal Justice Dual Enrollment Program, earning 24 college credits in Criminal Justice. Alteasha was an active member of the National Honor Society and Student Activities Club where she actively planned events such as “FCAT Night” and “FCAT Pep Rallies” to stress the importance of achievement on the state mandated exam. As an active member in her community, Alteasha spearheaded a Christmas Toy Drive donating over 100 new toys to Opa-Locka Elementary School and the New Beginnings Baptist Church Youth Department. Alteasha has been accepted at Florida State University and plans to continue her studies in Criminology/Criminal Justice.

Odalys Santos, Miami HEAT Scholarship Award winner: Odalys graduated from Miami Springs Senior High School in the top 3% of her class, ranking 23 out of 844 high school seniors. Odalys was an active student in her school and community, serving as Youth Corps ambassador for the American Red Cross of Greater Miami and The Keys. She also led a United Way effort that raised over $1,000 for the organization. Since early childhood, Odalys has had dreams of attending college at the school with “the big white bird.” Odalys has been accepted to the University of Miami and plans to study Pre-Med this Fall.

Joshua T. Rey, Dr. Jack Ramsey Scholarship Award winner: Exhibiting an enthusiasm for sports combined with excellent academics, Joshua graduated at the top of his class, ranking fourth out of 564 students, while participating in the Television Production Magnet Program at South Miami Senior High School for four years. In addition, he attended the University of Florida Summer Journalism Institute completing a rigorous instruction program in broadcast journalism. He also volunteered during events such as the Florida Marlins/Fox Sports Net High School Broadcasters Day and served as the South Miami Cobras varsity basketball team announcer. Joshua plans to major in Broadcast Journalism at Florida International University.