Seniors Isaac Freudman and Amanda Vega are the first-ever in the history of ILS nominees and winners of the Stamps Family Scholarship. Hundreds of Miami-Dade County seniors applied for this prestigious distinction which is usually awarded to public school students. This year, however, the applicant pool was expanded to include private schools.

Fifty schools received the honor on behalf of two students per school. Among the schools recognized where other Catholic schools such as Archbishop Carroll, Carrollton, and several others.

Sponsored by the Coral Gables Community Foundation whose mission is to “inspire impactful philanthropy through charitable funds,” winners enjoyed an afternoon ceremony with friends and family where they were honored with not only this distinction, but also with a monetary prize, $20,000.

“As a mother whose daughter received this award, I am very emotional and feel so grateful to the Coral Gables Community Foundation for making this possible,” said Ms. Juliette Vega, Modern Languages Department.

“I am so proud of her,” she added

“Winning this $20,000 scholarship means everything to me. It’s proof that dedication and hard work really do pay off,” said Amanda.

What is the Stamps Family Scholarship? The fund holders are members of the Stamps family, including E. Roe Stamps IV, and others. Their mission is to “reward academic excellence.” At the ceremony, the scholarship awarded 144 recipients $20,000 each. Eligible schools included 64 public high schools. They added to the eligibility eight private schools such as ILS, Belen, Carrollton, St. Brendan, Archbishop Carroll, Columbus, and Lourdes, too.

“When I was told, I was elated by the opportunity. I am really proud of where I have gotten. This scholarship will open many pathways toward independence while I attend college,” said Isaac.