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International Merit Scholarship awards first scholarships
The International Merit Scholarship Foundation, Inc. (IMSFI) is proud to award its first ever full college scholarships to Mr. Liam Christopher M. Santos of San Juan and Mr. Ruel Fernan N. Francisco of Quezon City. Both recipients will be attending Polytechnic University of the Philippines this coming June.
Graduating from PUPLHS, both Mr. Santos and Mr. Francisco are honor students with extensive involvement in scholastic and community organizations. Mr. Santos plans to continue her education at PUP working towards an Accounting degree. His expected date of graduation is March 2010.
Mr. Francisco is the eldest of six children whose mother, a single parent, is a desk officer with the Quezon City Parks & Development Department. He, too, will attend PUP towards a degree in Information Technology. His expected date of graduation is also March 2010.
Founded in April 2005, IMSFI, a not-for-profit organization founded by a small group of Filipinos based in the United States of America and the Republic of the Philippines, quickly broke ground by providing two scholarships for the 2006 academic year. With a vision to "eradicate poverty through the training of our country's youth", the founders hope to give back to the country that has provided them the education which led to their professional careers and personal achievements. Headed by Dr. Eduardo Sy Tanhui, President of IMSFI, who is based in Texas, USA, and Judith Paule-White, Chair, Board of Directors, who is based in New Jersey, USA, the directors and members of IMSFI are committed to seeing this fledgling organization grow into one that would provide scholarships to more deserving students each year. "Dr. Tanhui, Ms. Corazon Sta. Ana (Vice President), Engr. John Ramos (Treasurer) and I have been working so hard to get this far and, truthfully, we are proud of our small accomplishment, so far", says Judith.
IMSFI relies on donations, fund raisers, and membership dues to achieve its scholarship mission. Graduating high school students interested in the scholarship are asked to complete an application form and submit an essay which details the reason for granting them the scholarship. "It's both heart-wrenching and uplifting to read these essays", says Judith. "On one hand, it's sad that these children have so little and have to worry about not only their education but oftentimes their next meal; yet, you see their spirit and determination to succeed that you can't help but be proud of them. I wish the foundation could support every student that applies for help, but it just can't be done right now. Someday soon, who knows?"
Scholars are selected on the basis of academic proficiency, financial need, and non-academic character. A selection/scholarship committee composed of Ms. Sta. Ana, Atty. Claire Reyes, Dr. Liceria D. Lorenzo, Dean, College of Office Administration and Business Teacher Education (PUP-COABTE), would then review the applications and accompanying essays. Top applicants are selected and forwarded to the Chair and Officers who are based in the USA. Telephone and electronic interviews are then conducted by the Chair, the President, and the Treasurer, and recipients are selected, thereafter.
The Board of Directors consists of the Chair and four directors, namely: Atty. Clarencia S. Reyes (Philippines), Robert Relova III (Philippines), Dr. Josephine Deza Chua Tanhui (TX, USA), and Leslie White Andes (NY, USA).
To learn more about the foundation, please log into www.imsfi.org. The website is constantly being updated with more information about the organization, members and other legal jargon. Anyone may communicate with the Officers and Directors of the foundation through the website Message Board.
IMSFI invites everyone to become members and support the foundation in their mission to help the needy but deserving young people. It is one way to give back to the community and help tomorrow's leaders achieve their dreams.
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