(JACKSONVILLE, FL) May 27, 2025 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WHAT: The First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FCHCC) is proud of their impact on the lives of more than one hundred scholarship recipients for their signature program, Achieving the Dream Scholarship, for over 32 years. Applicants undergo a rigorous process handled by a committee of community leaders determined to award 11 scholarships (valued at $2,000 each) to outstanding qualified Hispanic students of Northeast Florida. This year, the FCHCC is proud to announce awarding 11 students with the ATD Scholarship.
These students were recognized for their achievements at the Achieving the Dream Scholarship luncheon presented by the Jaguars Foundation on Friday, May 16, 2025. The luncheon took place from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Florida Blue, 4800 Deerwood Campus Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32207.
The scholarship program enables students who work hard and achieve academic excellence to start or continue their education. The FCHCC Community Development Fund awards these scholarships based on primary criteria of financial need (30%) and academics (minimum GPA 3.0) (25%). The remaining points are assessed based on a finalist interview, letters of recommendation, video, essays, extracurricular activities, community involvement and honors/awards.
FCHCC congratulates an impressive group of 2025 Achieving the Dream Scholarship recipients.
| Recipient | School | Major |
|---|---|---|
| Chantelle Merritt | Florida State University | Bachelors in Biomedical Engineering |
| Kayleigh Gutierrez | University of Central Florida | Bachelors in Biomedical Science |
| Leyra Ojeda | University of North Florida | Bachelors in Business |
| Lucas Farfan | University of Florida | Bachelors in Civil Engineering |
| Maya Vazquez | Coastal Carolina University | Bachelors of Fine Arts in Theatre Design & Production |
| Melania Carrigan | University of Central Florida | Bachelors in Civil Engineering |
| Melody Ann Angelica | University of North Florida | Bachelors in International Business |
| Natalie Jaile | Florida State University | Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering |
| Sebastian Lopez | Rollins College | Bachelors in Biology |
| Viviana Arce | University of South Florida | Bachelors in Biomedical Science |
| Vivianna Rivera | University of Central Florida | Bachelors in Finance |
The Sponsors for the ATD Luncheon were:
- Presenting Sponsor: Jaguars Foundation
- Gold Sponsors: Coca Cola Beverages, Florida and Action News Jax
- Silver Sponsor: Bank of America
- Bronze Sponsor: VyStar Credit Union
- Scholarship Donors: Jimenez-Bellisario Family Trust, Clark Vargas Scholarship, In memory of Elizabeth Baptista-Carrero, Arlington Toyota, Florida Blue, University of North Florida (UNF), Fisher Tousey Attorneys at Law and VyStar Credit Union
- Luncheon Sponsors: Real 4 Jax Realtors
- In-Kind Sponsors: MiAddvantage, DEX Imaging, Sheila Trujillo Photography, DV Home & Style, LLC and Mocha Misk’I Brownie Shop
FCHCC thanks all our Sponsors, Corporate Partners and the Gala Planning and Selections Committee Members for all their hard work in making this event once again successful.
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Mission of the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FCHCC): to positively impact the regional economy by creating value, promoting and facilitating the success of Hispanic-owned businesses and by engaging the community at large.
Media Contact: Chief of Staff, chiefofstaff@fchcc.com
Phone: (904) 346-1118 ext. 2
Website: https://fchcc.com
Media Contact: Maria Isabel Montoya, mimontoya@miaddvantage.com
FCHCC Director of Communications
Phone: (484) 868-4227
FCHCC Strategic and Large Corporate Partners are: Florida Blue, iHeart Media, CMG Cox Media Group, Norsan Media, Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), CSX, MiAddvantage, Dominion Inc., Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA), PNC Bank, UNF Coggin College of Business and Citi.
The First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FCHCC) was created to encourage and promote sound, ethical and successful business practices in the Hispanic community and to further the recognition of Hispanic heritage and culture through educational endeavors. The First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FCHCC) is committed to positively impact the regional economy by creating value, promoting and facilitating the success of Hispanic-owned businesses and by engaging the community at large. For more information about the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, visit https://fchcc.com.