2026
We are pleased to announce that the 2026 First-Year Scholarship Recipient is Crystal Guillen. Crystal Guillen was born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, with roots in El Salvador. Her greatest passion is serving others and bringing kindness into her community. Crystal has translated for Spanish-speaking families, helping them navigate medical visits, legal processes, and daily challenges. She also volunteered at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and served on the Norfolk Youth Council, where she advocated for youth in her city. Through these experiences, Crystal has worked to bridge language and access gaps. As she studies nursing at the University of Virginia, she hopes to continue helping others and making a meaningful impact.
2025
We are pleased to announce that the 2025 First-Year Scholarship Recipient is Tomás Garcia. Tomás comes to UVA from Arlington, Virginia with roots in Armenia, Colombia, where his extended family resides. During summers spent there, he has volunteered as an English teacher, and alongside his older brother, he organized and distributed 250 pounds of soccer equipment to underprivileged school children. In Arlington, he has dedicated his time to tutoring, translating, and mentoring students through the Aspire After School Learning program, which focuses on expanding educational opportunities for historically underserved students. At the University of Virginia, Tomás plans to pursue a double major in business and Spanish, aiming to combine both fields to make a meaningful impact on a global scale.
2024
We are pleased to announce that the 2024 First-Year Scholarship Recipient is Estefania Carvajal. Estefania comes to UVA from Venezuela by way of Lynchburg, VA. She is a strong student who is always seeking ways to help others. In Venezuela, she led volunteer groups to distribute food and other goods to those in need. At Lynchburg General Hospital she has worked as a Patient Representative for the Emergency Department and held the competitive position of Beacon of Hope Intern. She has additionally worked as a tutor, translator, and photographer. Estefania plans on focusing her studies on Chemistry and Human Biology while at UVA.
2023
We are pleased to announce that the 2023 First-Year Scholarship Recipient is Araceli Soto Constancio. From Falls Church, VA, Araceli has done everything in her power – both inside and outside of the classroom – to make her community more inclusive. While in school, she created an English tutoring program for speakers of other languages (ESOL) and worked to raise awareness about the struggles posed by language barriers. She will start at the University in the Fall of 2023.
2022
We are pleased to announce that the 2022 First-Year Scholarship Recipient is Zachary Rios. A student from Leesburg, VA, Zachary is a talented math student, guitarist, and athlete. He plans to study Physics and Mathematics. He will start at the University in the Fall of 2022.
2021
We are pleased to announce that the 2021 First-Year Scholarship Inaugural Recipient is Kiara Barrientos. A student from Leesburg, VA, Kiara plans to study Political Philosophy, Policy, and Law in the College of Arts & Sciences. She will start at the University in the Fall of 2021.