**Magic Community Ambassador Bo Outlaw to surprise the winners**

Orlando, Fla. – In surprise presentations at their high schools on Friday, May 2, Pine Ridge High School student Mehreen Kassoo and West Orange High School student Maria Paula Chau was awarded the University of Central Florida (U.C.F.) Minority Scholarship and Magic Achiever Scholarship, respectively. Magic Community Ambassador Bo Outlaw along with other representatives from the team traveled to West Orange High School (1625 S. Beulah Rd., Winter Garden 34787) and Pine Ridge High School (926 Howland Blvd., Deltona 32738) to surprise the students with large novelty checks and news of their scholarships. The presentations occured at 8:00 a.m. at West Orange and 10:00 a.m. at Pine Ridge on May 2.

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 one of the most significant problems with our society today and what they would do to solve it. The scholarship may be used at any accredited four-year college or university in Florida. Chau plans to attend U.C.F. in the fall and study journalism.

The U.C.F. Minority Scholarship, in its 15th 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 one of the most significant problems with our society today and what they would do to solve it. Kassoo will attend U.C.F. in the fall and plans to study microbiology. She is a valedictorian candidate for her high school.

“The Orlando Magic is proud to provide this opportunity to deserving individuals like Mehreen and Maria,” said Linda Landman-Gonzalez, vice president of community relations and 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.”

Orlando’s NBA franchise since 1989, the Magic’s mission is to be world champions on and off the court, delivering legendary moments every step of the way. On the court, Orlando has won three division championships (1995, 1996, 2008), had four 50-plus win seasons, and won the Eastern Conference title in 1995. Off the court, on an annual basis the Orlando Magic gives more than $2 million to the local community by way of sponsorships of events, donated tickets, autographed merchandise, scholarships and grants. Orlando Magic community relations programs impact an estimated 75,000 kids each year, while a Magic staff-wide initiative provides more than 4,000 volunteer hours annually. In addition, over the last 19 years nearly $14 million has been distributed to local non-profit community organizations via the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF) that serve at risk and disadvantaged youth. Ticket highlights for 2008-09 include: 7,569 seats priced $25 or under per game; a $27 lower bowl ticket; and tickets priced at $10 per game. For ticket information log on to orlandomagic.com or call 407-89-MAGIC.

Through the National Basketball Association’s NBA CARES program, the league, players and teams will raise and contribute $100 million for charity, donate more than 1 million hours of hands-on volunteer service to communities worldwide, and build more than 100 places where kids can learn and play over the next five years.

The Orlando Magic is also the developer of the new downtown Events Center which will compete to host major national events, concerts and family shows. Opening in October 2010, the facility will be operated by the City of Orlando and owned by the Central Florida community.