Skyline student awarded scholarships

Skyline High School graduates received college scholarships from the Ameritino Foundation on May 16, 2015. (Left to Right) Camila Francia, Elizabeth Gutierrez, Michell Chaparro, Lorenna Salomon, Alondra Santiesteban,Abigail Quinonez, Melissa Barron, Andrew Paniagua, Noel Garcia, Irvin Sierra, Cruz Valdez and not pictured Maria Lupita Soto

By Robert Lopez

The Ameritino Foundation

On Saturday, May 16, 2015, 12 Skyline High School graduates received college scholarships totaling $21,000. The awards were given at a special dinner held at the Fox Hill Club for recipients and their parents. The Ameritino Foundation is based out of San Diego, Calif., and the funds are provided by Michael B. Lopez, the founder and president of the non-profit that provides college scholarships to Latino and underserved students. Mr. Lopez is a native of Longmont and grew up near Skyline High School. Mr. Lopez's own parents came to America with no education or English language. The term "Ameritino" was coined by Mr. Lopez as he believes that Latinos come to America with their Latino culture, traditions and language, but soon become a blended American. With this blend in mind, he created the word "Ameritino."

The scholarship recipients made application and were interviewed by a committee prior to being selected. The criteria was based on Academic performance, school involvement, need and the high probability for post secondary success. Over the last six years, Mr. Lopez has provided over $150,000 to St.Vrain Valley and Boulder Valley students. In addition to college scholarships, Mr. Lopez has also provided over $70,000 to the City of Longmont for a monument and playground at Kensington Park in honor of his friend Paul Rodriguez who was the first Latino from Longmont who gave his life in combat in the Vietnam War. Other scholarships are given in honor of Mr. Lopez's mother, Jesusita, father, Alvino, and brother, Alvino.