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Lambda Theta Alpha Sorority awards $1,000 college scholarship to U.C. 8th grader
April 4, 2004

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=11230842&BRD=1291&PAG=461&dept_id=523590&rfi=6

She's the type of girl who never gives up
By Jessica Rosero

Eighth grade student Cynthia Brito of Christopher Columbus School was awarded a $1,000 scholarship toward her college education by the sisters of the famed Latin sorority Lambda Theta Alpha during their 24th Annual Awards Banquet held last week at the Fiesta Banquet Rooms in Woodridge.

A fairly recent arrival from the Dominican Republic, Brito has only been a resident of the United States for two years. She has quickly adapted to her environment and risen to be one of the top students in her class, making honor roll four times in the last two years. She is also set to graduate with honors from Columbus School this June.

"When she first came to us she had a lot of apprehension, but she's the type of girl who doesn't give up. She doesn't hold anything back," said Anna Ramos, Brito's math and science teacher. "She's a strong woman."

Overcoming obstacles

Described as girl with an indomitable determination and unwavering spirit, Brito has overcome many of the obstacles that face new immigrants, most importantly the language barrier. She has excelled in her studies and has become active in extra-curricular activities and other after-school programs, which include cheerleading. It was actually through her tryout for the team that she met cheerleading coach Valerie Roman-Valera, a teacher's aid for Columbus and a Lambda sorority sister.

"I've had her after school with cheerleading and the program, and I've seen her progress," said Roman-Valera. "She's a great girl, very responsible. She has a natural ability to pick things up very easily and always has a smile on her face."

It was Roman-Valera who encouraged Brito to join the nationwide mentoring program, sponsored by her sorority, Focused Urban Teens United & Ready for Opportunity (FUTURO).

"My experience in the program has been really beautiful," said Brito, 14, who can communicate very well in English but still feels more at ease speaking in her native Spanish. "I'm very happy and proud of winning this scholarship to help reach my dream, which is going to college."

The only daughter of Maria Rodriguez and Jose Luis Brito, who still reside in Santa Domingo, Brito currently lives with her aunt, uncle and grandmother. Now with new opportunities before her, Brito dreams of becoming a pediatrician and opening her own clinic, where she hopes to provide health care for underprivileged kids who otherwise can't afford medical treatment.

"I've had that dream since I was a little girl. I love kids," she said.

For Brito, this will also be her way of giving back to the people and community she feels have embraced her and provided her with the means to make her dreams come true.

Community service valued

The FUTURO program, which was first established by the sorority's former President Rosa Diaz, was introduced almost eight years ago. The focus of the program is to inspire urban middle school girls to reach their full potential through services to the community, like feeding the homeless, giving educational workshops and one-on-one mentoring.

The program was implemented at Christopher Columbus School last year. Roman-Valera and colleague Deborah Shine, an Alternative Education teacher who had wanted to bring a type of mentoring program to the school for some time, realized that FUTURO would be ideal. They introduced it to the principal and the school and the program has grown since to include about 30 girls in the school in 7th and 8th grades.

First time winner

The scholarship is awarded to one 8th grade student nationwide who excels in academics, community involvement and participation in the FUTURO program. Brito, a Union City resident, is the first student to receive this scholarship award.

"We're very proud because this is an indication that the program has grown enough where several girls across the country, who embody the principles of the program, have applied," said Lambda President Jennifer Benitez.

The scholarship has not been awarded in previous years because not enough FUTURO participants applied for the award.

"Right now I'm thrilled! I think this is going to be a boom for the program itself," said Diaz, who is now the national coordinator for FUTURO. "Hopefully, next year we'll have a lot more chapters implementing the program in their neighboring schools."

In addition to Brito's award, the sisters of Lambda Theta Alpha were honored as well by the township of Union City. Commissioner Christopher Irizarry, of the Department of Parks, Public Property and Recreation, presented the sisters of Lambda Theta Alpha with a proclamation from Union City Mayor Brian Stack for their outstanding service to the community.

"We are proud of the work they've done in Union City and that's why we're giving them this proclamation," said Irizarry. "This scholarship is just one example of what they're doing and hopefully, it will stir other organizations to contribute to our community, in particular to the children of our community."

For the time being, Brito will likely be attending Emerson High School in the fall and her scholarship will be placed into a savings bond, which will be available when she enrolls in college.

"We're very proud of her. She's very good. She's achieved honors in her studies, and she's only been her for a short time," said Melody Rodriguez, Brito's aunt and acting guardian.

"She's very charismatic and very enthusiastic," said Roman-Valera. "I really think she's going to go far."

For more information about F.U.T.U.R.O. please contact the National Program Coordinator Rosa Diaz at futuro@lambdalady.org.