ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Spectrum News is awarding four scholarships to exemplary students across Central Florida.
Students were nominated by faculty after demonstrating excellence in academics, sports, or volunteer work.
The Spectrum News 13 team is pleased to announce Cypress Creek High School senior Isabella Millan as the Orange County recipient, and name her a Spectrum News High School Scholar.
What You Need To Know
- Four students across Central Florida are being awarded $1,000 to use towards continuing their education
- Isabella Millan was president of Drama Club, co-president and founder of her school’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Learner’s Club, and is an active member of many other groups
- On top of her activities, her GPA, as of the time of her nomination, was 5.0
- Millan plans to attend the University of Florida to study Health Sciences
Center stage is a second home for Isabella Millan, who spent many hours in Drama Club and participating in school productions.
“I love the live energy,” said Millan. “Being able to make (the audience) laugh, or cry, or feel whatever the characters are feeling.”
Her persistence even led to a section of International Baccalaureate (IB) Theatre for students in musical theatre at her school.
“Isabella is a vibrant and engaged student leader, both on our campus and in the larger community,” wrote College and Career Specialist Talani Nelson in her nomination letter for Millan. “She is always seeking out challenges to better herself and become stronger in the pursuit she has selected, be it mathematics, singing, acting, or cheer.”
In addition to being president of Drama Club, she also founded her school’s ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Learner’s Club. Millan said she took inspiration from her family, who are Dominican and Puerto Rican. The club allows students who speak another language at home to practice their English language skills at school.
“We wanted to make sure they had a safe space and were able to practice their English here,” said Millan.
Millan took part in many other activities, like those in the Hispanic Student Association, cheer, and flag football. She was also a volunteer coach and tutor.
Between it all, Millan held a 5.0 GPA as of the time of her nomination.
Spectrum News is excited to award Millan with a $1,000 scholarship, which she says she plans to use toward her education at the University of Florida. Millan said she’s thankful for her family for their support, and credits them for their success.