Eduardo Brito describes his life thus far as somewhat like a movie. “There’s been comedy, horror, drama and tragedy,” he said, adding “mostly tragedy.” His parents separated when he was 7 years old, and his father moved with a new family to Wisconsin. On the other hand, “My mom was always there for us,” Eduardo said. “She always hugged us, gave us a goodbye kiss when she dropped us off, and never complained about anything.” That is, until a turning point took place on December 2nd, 2008. “That was the day my mom was deported,” Eduardo said, “and my sisters and I were left alone.” Eduardo currently lives in a small apartment with his three sisters, ages 19, 18 and 17. He maintains a 3.6 GPA and wants to graduate college with a degree in architectural engineering. “The Simon Scholarship is an extraordinary opportunity for me” he said, “because with it, I would be one of the first in my family to go to college.” A member of the Junior ROTC, Eduardo is committed to overcoming any obstacle that would keep him from reaching his goal. His English teacher said that Eduardo’s “work ethic and demeanor are incomparable with any previous student I have ever had. The story of his life has been challenging, and he has risen above each circumstance.” He added that the Simon Family Foundation scholarship will assure that Eduardo’s story has a happy and fulfilling end, like many great movies.

Describing herself as “responsible and outgoing,” Tania Carrillo lives with her single mom and her 4-year-old twin sisters. Her parents separated and divorced when Tania was 11, and since then, Tania has gained a 2-year-old half-brother with Down’s Syndrome. “My parents’ separation affected me,” Tania admitted, “but I didn’t like to show it. I would always hide my sadness and put on a smile.” Financial problems continue to plague her family, since Tania’s mother works only part-time in child care. But, while money may be scarce, Tania said her mother consistently supports her emotionally – “she gives me strength to reach my goals and believes in me.” Tania, in turn, helps out with the care of her twin sisters, which can be a real challenge since “they both want things at the same time.” This responsibility at such an early age has led to Tania excelling as a natural leader, according to her Chemistry teacher. “She is a role model for enthusiasm and maturity,” her teacher said. “She has approached me with great aspirations, and I cannot help but want other students to be like her.” Currently, Tania serves on the ASB and plays on the tennis team. With a GPA of 3.2, Tania’s goal is to graduate college and become a Counselor. “I want to help other people,” she said, in a way that will affect their lives for the better. “I love to think positively,” Tania said, and those who know her agree that her potential knows no bounds. Tania described the Simon Family Foundation as “my key to success.”

Wanting to be an example and guide to his two younger brothers, Pablo Cruz knows that education is the key. When he was in 3rd grade, he was challenged to learn a new language, English, and, at first, it was quite intimidating. But Pablo persevered. “I did very poorly on tests and during class time,” he recalled. Recognizing that he must master the language to succeed in school, Pablo asked for help from his teachers. “I took the challenge,” he said. “Every night I would read books, look through the dictionary for words I didn’t comprehend, and arrive at school early to ask my teacher for different techniques on improving my English.” His personal success has led Pablo to becoming an honors student with a GPA of 3.7. He aspires to attending and graduating from a 4-year university and becoming involved in the criminal justice system, perhaps as an FBI agent. He is currently a member of BROS, a school group that empowers Latinos and encourages them to attend college. Having been named a Simon Scholar, Pablo is aware that his life has forever changed dramatically. “I’m going to be more well-rounded,” he said. “Being around the same people with similar goals will be great.” His Honors World History teacher said that Pablo has many untapped skills within him. “He has the potential to be something big, both academically and socially.” With the backing of the Simon Family Foundation, his journey has just begun.

Growing up in the Philippines speaking fluent Tagalog, it was a bit of a shock for Teresa Joy Dimatulac when she arrived in the United States a little more than a year ago, speaking very little English. “When I first stepped onto American grounds, my thoughts turned upside down,” Teresa said. “The environment and people around us were really different from what we were used to. I felt ashamed because I didn’t speak good English. I would look down when I passed by people so they wouldn’t talk to me.” In a short period of time, however, Teresa has made huge strides in conquering the language barrier. Initially, she and her family lived with her supportive aunt and uncle, but since then, they have moved into their own small apartment. “We have 2 rooms now,” she said with a big smile on her face. “We have started a new chapter. Although it is another challenge for us, we are facing it together as one. I have found true friends in school, and the number still grows time and time again.” Teresa no longer looks down when walking the AHS campus, and her dream is to graduate college, support her sisters and help her parents financially. With a GPA of 3.9, she has already established herself as a true Scholar. Her Counselor said that “although Teresa was clearly scared when she arrived in the U.S., she was determined to take advantage of the opportunities that lay ahead of her. She did not hesitate to request some of our most challenging academic classes and would not allow fear of the unknown to stand in her way of soaking up all that our school and community has to offer.” Teresa said that “in the Philippines, we are told we should be a follower before we become a leader.” Hoping to follow in the footsteps of her fellow Simon Scholars, Teresa said she hopes one day to become a leader. The Simon Family Foundation believes that she’s already blazed a trail.

When her best friend first encouraged her to apply for the Simon Family Foundation scholarship, Gema couldn’t imagine what obstacle in her life she could possibly write about in her personal essay. But her friend told her, “Write about your life.” Gema grew up without a father. “There were days I would see him, then he would be gone for awhile, and I wouldn’t know of him. My father, unfortunately, got more addicted to drugs and alcohol as time went by,” eventually serving jail time, and finally being deported. Meanwhile, Gema’s mother continues to work as a housekeeper 7 days a week at a small motel, which means Gema must often care for her 11-year-old sister in their small studio apartment. Running is a stress reliever, Gema says, and she also loves to dance. Because her mom never has a day off work, responsibility is a word Gema understands very well. Maintaining a GPA of 3.9, Gema’s goal is to become either a teacher or a counselor. “I want a career with a secure environment,” she said. “I want my kids to have what they need without having to worry if there is enough money to eat.” Her English teacher said Gema’s “positive attitude is infectious. Beyond being a great athlete and student, Gema is a wonderful human being.” Her Math teacher said Gema has “a passion for learning that leads to a profound level of self-motivation. Her desire to succeed is only limited by the resources that will be made available to her.” With the Simon Family Foundation behind her, Gema believes she can be something big. “I want my mom to see my success.” No doubt, others who watch her growth will also be inspired.