After careful consideration, it is with great pleasure that Hugo Balta, president and founder of the Hortencia Zavala Scholarship (HZS) announces Zulymar Droz Guerrero recipient of the organization’s 2021 award.
“Zulymar exemplifies the leadership HZS looks for in students pursuing careers in Journalism and Communications. Not only is Zulymar succeeding academically, but she is already an accomplished journalist serving as Editor-in-Chief of Cuentagotas, a news magazine published by the University of Puerto Rico, Arecibo (UPRA) chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ).“
Guerrero was chosen from nine candidates by a committee of UPRA educators based in part on criteria guidelines offered by HZS: academic excellence, financial need, command in the field of Journalism or Communications.
“In Journalism, I saw the opportunity to not only achieve my goal of having a positive impact on society, but also provide a voice to marginalized communities, and hold the powerful accountable”, wrote Guerrero in her scholarship application essay.
HZS was established in 2016, by the children and grandchildren of Hortencia Zavala, an immigrant from Peru.
“My Abuelita didn’t have the opportunity to get a higher education, but through hard work and sacrifice afforded that chance to her family”, said Balta. “And with the help of many supporters throughout the years, we have been able to give many talented students the same chance.”
HZS has awarded nine scholarships to students in collaboration with NAHJ National and Local Chapters.
Hortencia Zavala Scholarship recipients:
Bottom row (starting on the left): Alex Nieves, Mike Gramajo Cifuentes, Irene Franco Rubio, Richie Requena, Isis Martin
HZS is a not-for-profit organization.
If you would like to make a donation, please make it via PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/HortenciaZavala or GoFundMe: https://tinyurl.com/y36jmvw7
Hugo Balta is the owner and publisher of the Latino News Network, serving Hispanic-Latinos in New England with three English language news and information websites: NHLN, MALN, and CTLN.
