Law Office of Ivan M. Diamond is proud to announce the winner of the 2016 NYC Born and Raised Scholarship. This year's scholarship of $2,500 has been awarded to Jose A. Mendoza, a 2016 graduate of A. Philip Randolph High School in Harlem. The scholarship will be used to cover a portion of Jose's tuition during his first year of college.
About the NYC Born and Raised Scholarship
The NYC Born and Raised Scholarship is awarded annually to a New York High School graduate who understands and appreciates the value of living life as a New Yorker. The winner of this scholarship must have been born and raised in New York, and he or she must also plan to enroll in a New York City college. In addition, the scholarship's winner must exemplify all of the city's most important values, including courage, integrity and perseverance in the face of obstacles.
This scholarship was created by Attorney Ivan Diamond, who was born in Brooklyn. He spent his childhood in Manhattan and eventually graduated from NYC's public school system. He is proud of his New York heritage and the values that were instilled in him while he lived in the city, so he now seeks to reward other students who have spent their lives in NYC and have developed an appreciation and respect for the city and all it stands for.
Jose A. Mendoza - Winner of the 2016 NYC Born and Raised Scholarship
Law Office of Ivan M. Diamond awarded the 2016 NYC Born and Raised Scholarship to Jose A. Mendoza, a graduating senior at A. Philip Randolph High School. Jose excelled in all subject areas in high school, earning a spot on the Principal's Honor Roll for four consecutive years. He also acted as co-founder of the A. Philip Randolph High School Math Club, served as coach assistant for the wrestling team and spent three years on the school's lacrosse team. To give back to the community, Jose spent time volunteering as a mentor, tutor and teacher's aide.
In his essay, Jose spoke of overcoming obstacles throughout his life with the help of his fellow New Yorkers. He states that he would not be the man he is today if he had been born in any other city. As a young child, he witnessed the abuse of his mother at the hands of his father. Fortunately, neighbors took action to protect Jose and his mother. After leaving this abusive home, Jose and his mother spent time in shelters throughout the city. Jose struggled in school because of his situation, but he continued to work hard. With perseverance and the help of caring New York teachers, Jose eventually succeeded in school and moved to the top of his class.
According to Jose, the willingness to help others is one of the values he associates most strongly with the city of New York. He vows to carry this value with him as he moves on to Columbia University this fall.
Law Office of Ivan M. Diamond hopes that the $2,500 scholarship will help with some of Jose's expenses as he begins this important phase of life.
