UCF Community Scholarship Recipients: Continuing to Lead and Inspire

For more than 50 years, the school district has been providing the opportunity for graduating seniors to advance their educational journey and take the next steps towards a better future. A scholarship founded solely on the generosity of the local community rewards students not only for their outstanding academic achievements but also on their consistent community involvement.

Every year, the community raises money through donations and fundraisers sponsored by families, alumni, and community members who understand the hardships of college and feel compelled to aid in the college tuition process. Typically, around five to ten students receive about $1000 or more each to put towards tuition, college housing, and other education-related expenses. In order to apply for this scholarship, a senior must fill out an application with information related to their academics and involvement. This includes their cumulative GPA, high school transcript, community service, and volunteer work. It requires them to answer prompts, a short essay, and/or personal statement summarizing their perspective.

Among the winners of last year's scholarship are alumni Fiona Avondolio and Aliz Uejima from the 2025 graduating class. Avondolio has been involved in the school district since middle school as a member of her class student council, continuing that involvement all the way through her senior year. She also served as president of USAAC, leading athletes towards a successful season, and a coach of URA basketball to younger generations as well. Avondolio has been, and continues to be, a strong example of what positivity, compassion, and proactive leadership looks like in a student. She feels “extremely grateful for the scholarship and recommends that anyone considering applying become involved now,” emphasizing that “it is never too late” and that “every opportunity is a new chance to evoke change.”

Additionally, Uejima is another shining example of what a great student should be. Through her involvement in SHOC, representing the student body on the school board, editing for Unionville Post, participating in Interact Club activities and being a leader for LINK, she reflects on how meaningful her experience has been being a part of the community. Specifically, she comments on how she was able “to represent the student voice in a variety of instances, [bridging] the gap between the high school administration and the students, and also between the district administration and students.” Overall, the UCF scholarship is a great opportunity for soon-to-be college students to receive a bit of support from their community before facing the many challenges that college life brings.