For the first time in the 28 year history of the accolade, the girls’ division saw two females finish tied for first place, second place and third place for the 2013 Roland Gomez Scholarship Award presented by the Miami Lakes Optimist Club last month at Miami Lakes Middle School.
In the boys’ division, two contestants finished tied for third place. For girls, Mater Academy students, Emily Acosta (basketball) and softball superstar Alexis Castroman finished tied for first place, while Hialeah Gardens High’s Stephanie Fanuez (basketball) and softball player Faith Vazquez of Florida Christian were tied for second place.
Mater Academy students Alondra Angulo (basketball) and Hialeah Gardens High basketball player Liz Garcia were tied for third place. Acosta and Castroman will each receive the $1,000 scholarship award, which will be given to them when they are ready to attend a college or university of their choice.
For the boys, Jose Marti Mast Academy student Daniel Wong (baseball) took home the top prize, followed by Pace student Adam Ruiz (basketball), and Jose Marti Mast Academy student Jordan Oria (basketball) and Hialeah Miami Lakes High student William Zepka (basketball).
The winners are determined by a points system in which the participants are evaluated based on their school academics, Optimist sports, school activities and community service. The three ties in the girls’ division stemmed from a one point spread that was to close to call for an individual winner.
Student-athletes can now register to be nominated for next year’s award by going online and fill out application at www.miamilakesoptimist.org and submit copies of their report cards.