Former Greenwich High School student and current Middlebury College freshman, Laura Rivera-Martinez, received a “Four-Year College” 2019 scholarship from Connecticut Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ConnTESOL).
While at Greenwich High School, Laura, a native of Colombia, achieved high academic success in many Advanced Placement courses and volunteered in community service programs including the Power Hour at the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich.
In the summer of 2018, Laura traveled abroad to Ecuador as a Global Glimpse Ambassador.
She stated in her ConnTESOL application, “Knowing how to speak, write, and read in English was not only a necessity living in this country, but a gift that has opened the doors of opportunity for me. From succeeding academically in school to meeting people from all around the globe and growing as an independent thinker and socially-aware individual, I am confident to say that every single aspect of my present and future life has been impacted by this learning experience.”
According to the ConnTESOL program, the awards of $1,000 each will be given to a graduating high school senior, presently or previously enrolled in ELL or bilingual education classes.
The program looks for students planning to attend a four-year or community college in the fall of 2019.
The purpose of this award is to encourage ELL and bilingual program students to expand their horizons, define their dreams and attend college.
Recipients are chosen in the fall of 2019, and scholarship winnings can be applied to tuition for the Spring 2020 semester.
ConnTESOL Scholarship winners were recognized at the 49th Annual ConnTESOL Conference on November 2, 2019 at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut.
Last year’s ConnTESOL Four-Year College Scholarship Winner was Greenwich High School’s Edward Bojorquez.