Scholarship Night Filled with Pride, Purpose & Possibility

For more than eight decades, the GFWC Miami Springs Woman's Club has remained committed to uplifting and investing in the future of our community. During our Monday, May 4, 2026 membership meeting, that commitment was on full display as we celebrated some of the incredible young people who represent the next generation of leaders, dreamers, and changemakers. Continuing our long-standing tradition of supporting education through scholarships, the Club proudly awarded $9,400 in scholarship funds to deserving local students this year.

Students from both Miami Springs Senior High School (MSSH) and the Academy for Innovative Education Charter School (AIE) truly shined throughout the application process. With more than 30 applications submitted, our Scholarship Committee, chaired by Lourdes Barquin, committee members, Milly Perez-Crespo, Dr. Laura Armesto, and Corina Mills, carefully reviewed every application and personal essay submitted. The selection process was incredibly difficult.

“Every student who applied deserved a scholarship,” shared Club President Milly Pérez-Crespo. “Reading about their journeys, sacrifices, achievements, and dreams was both inspiring and emotional. I told myself I wasn’t going to cry during the ceremony, but it gets me every time. Seeing their hard work and determination fills our hearts with joy because we know even a small gesture of support can make a meaningful difference in their lives.”

Our 2026 Scholarship Recipients from Miami Springs Sr. High & the Academy for Innovation Education Charter

Among this year’s awards were the Lena Pearl Wheeler Health Sciences Scholarships, named in honor of Lena Pearl Wheeler Curtiss — wife of Miami Springs founder Glenn Curtiss, club member, and donor of the land that became home to our clubhouse; the city’s first library. These $1,200 scholarships were awarded to Sofia Enriquez of AIE, who plans to pursue Music Therapy, and Cynthia Paez of MSSH, who is pursuing a career in Ophthalmology.

The $1,000 High School Scholarships were awarded to Katherine Lorenzo of AIE, who will study Business Administration and Accounting, and Juan Pelaez of MSSH, who plans to major in Finance.

The $1,000 Eileen McDonough Scholarships were presented to Josue Torres of MSSH, who is pursuing his dream of becoming a pilot, and Ruby Domingo of AIE, who plans to study Psychiatry and Vocal Performance.

The Club was also honored to once again manage the Jennifer Ator Scholarship, generously funded by the Ator Family. This year’s ceremony was especially meaningful as Jennifer’s son Avery Tallman attended in person to present the scholarships himself, a touching moment that reflected the enduring impact of his mother’s legacy. Joining virtually via Zoom from an airport was Avery's father, Bill Tallman, whose emotional presence made the moment even more special for all in attendance.

The two $1,500 Jennifer Ator Scholarships were awarded to Miami Springs Senior High students Kerstin Bergen, who plans to pursue Political Science with a minor in Cybersecurity, and Camila Martinez, who will also study Political Science. These Miami Springs Woman's Club scholarships are only possible because of the unwavering support of our community. Every ticket purchased at a fundraiser, every sponsorship, donation, helps make these opportunities possible for local students. The evening concluded with another remarkable young person Eagle Scout candidate Fabian Perez-Crespo Jr. from Troop 334. Fabian has been visiting civic organizations throughout Miami Springs presenting his Eagle Scout service project, the Miami Springs Centennial Time Capsule, an initiative that will preserve the stories, memories, and spirit of our city for future generations.

It was the perfect ending to a night dedicated to celebrating service, leadership, education, family, and the promise of tomorrow.

For the GFWC Miami Springs Woman's Club, it was a reminder that investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways we can honor our past while building the future of our community.