Magic Awards $20,000 in Scholarships to Local High School Students
Orlando, Fla. – In surprise presentations at their high schools on Friday, May 5th, University High School student Rory Nicolaides and Gateway High School student Jaide Lee will be awarded the Magic Achiever and University of Central Florida (U.C.F.) Minority Scholarship, respectively. Representatives from the Orlando Magic will travel to University (11501 Eastwood Dr., Orlando, 32817) and Gateway High Schools (93 Panther Paws Trail, Kissimmee, 34744) to surprise the students with large novelty checks and news of their scholarships. The presentations will occur at 10:00 a.m. at University and 11:30 a.m. at Gateway on May 5th.
The Magic Achiever Scholarship awards one high school senior $10,000 ($2,500 annually). The winner must reside in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Polk, Volusia, Hillsborough or Lake County and meet the academic and financial-need criteria. The academic requirements include a minimum 1010 on SAT or 21 ACT score, a weighted cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale, extracurricular activities/honors, a letter of recommendation and a 500 word essay on commitment to the community. The scholarship may be used at any accredited four-year college or university in Florida. Nicolaides plans to attend Florida Atlantic University in the fall and study biotechnology. She is a valedictorian candidate for her high school.
The U.C.F. Minority Scholarship, in its 11th year of existence, provides $20,000 ($5,000 per year) to a minority student residing in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Polk, Volusia, Hillsborough or Lake County who meets the academic and financial-need criteria. Some other requirements include: a minimum 1010 on SAT or 21 ACT score, a weighted cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, extracurricular activities/honors, a letter of recommendation and a 500 word essay on commitment to the community. Lee will attend U.C.F. in the fall and plans to enter the Rosen School of Hospitality Management program.
“The Orlando Magic is proud to provide this opportunity to deserving individuals like Rory and Jaide,” said Mark Shamley, vice president of community relations/government affairs. “They were awarded the scholarships for their exemplary community and academic achievements. We would also like to recognize the University of Central Florida for its partnership in providing the U.C.F. Minority Scholarship.”
