The Miami Lakes Optimist Club recently announced the two winners for the 32nd annual Roland Gomez Scholarship award during a ceremony at Miami Lakes Middle School.
For the girls, Erika Castroman, who plays softball and attends American High School, won the top prize, $1,000 for college expenses and a gold medal. Emilyrose Morejon, a student at Mater Academy who plays basketball was the runner-up with a silver medal, and Alyssa Crespo, softball, finished in third place with the Bronze. Crespo is a student at Immaculate Conception School in Hialeah.
For boys, Eric Marrero, a student at Columbus High School who plays basketball, also took home the top prize, a check for $1,000 for college, and a gold medal dangling from his neck. Alberto Ruiz Jr., a student at Columbus High School who plays basketball, was runner-up and Preston Lao, a student who plays baseball at Youth Co-Op Preparatory Charter School in Hialeah, finished in third place.
To be a candidate for the Roland Gomez Scholarship award, the student-athletes must participate in the Optimist program for at least a year, and be interviewed by a selection committee after reviewing their report cards and academic studies.
“We are proud of the nominees for their hard work in the classrooms and on the playing fields,” said Miami Lakes Optimist Club basketball Commissioner Jim Hamilton. “We encourage them to maintain high marks in school for the scholarship and we recognize their accomplishments.”