For DonorsFor Applicants

Marques D. Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship

$605
1 winner$605
Open
Application Deadline
Apr 6, 2025
Winners Announced
May 6, 2025
Education Level
High School
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior
State:
Florida
Background:
Active member of school chorus or a music, theater, or arts program
GPA:
2.9 or higher

Marques Rodriguez was a beloved son who passed away in a tragic car accident on June 11, 2023, at the age of just sixteen.

Marques had a passion for singing and was part of his high school chorus at First Coast High School. He is remembered now as the heart of the chorus family, brightening the lives of all he worked with through his passion and kindness.

This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Marques D. Rodriguez by supporting students who share his love for artistic pursuits.

Any high school senior who is a Florida resident with at least a 2.9 GPA may apply for this scholarship if they’re an active member of their school chorus or a music, theater, or arts program.

To apply, tell us about yourself, why you love your form of art, and what your post-high school goals are.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Passion
Published November 6, 2024
Essay Topic

Please tell us about yourself and why you love singing, music, art, etc. What are your goals after high school?

400–600 words

Winning Application

Nomarie Rivera-Hernandez
First Coast High SchoolJACKSONVILLE, FL
As a young girl, I've always turned to singing and performing as my outlet. Growing up I've had lots of issues expressing my true emotions through "normal conversation". When I found music, it was almost like it lifted me from the ground and took me in like a lost child. I started singing when I was about 3-4 years old and every time I sang, I discovered new levels to my instrument. It was almost like it was made for me. Once I started middle school I immediately threw myself into the choir program. I wanted a time in school where I felt I wasn't going to be judged or looked at weird. And being Latina, I personally felt represented while I was performing. During my middle school choir career, I was always the soloist. In every concert I had my own solo. And in every class after 6th grade, I was in an advanced choir class. The choir program really got me all fired up for high school choir and to really go out there and compete for MPA and Solo & Ensemble. I always dreamed of singing for a living. It was and still is my lifelong goal. Entering my 9th grade year I fell into a really dark hole with my mental health. That was the year of Covid. I came into high school thinking that our choir program was big. It actually wasn't and the teacher there wasn't as motivated to take us anywhere or teach us anything to help better use our instruments. My love for choir fell through very slowly up until my sophomore year. A new choir teacher came to teach at First Coast High, and I was so stoked! The moment he got there the program already looked like it was heading in the right direction. My motivation came back and I started really singing again. And I experienced many musical breakthroughs such as really singing with my soul and using my emotions to further deliver the messages of the songs I sing. By that moment I also got into theatre. I had always loved theatre, but in the beginning I was very scared of ever performing in front of anyone. But nonetheless I joined and got to work. With lots of rehearsals, we ventured off to compete for a district thespians competition. And in my first year of competing theatrically, I received an Excellent rating on all of my acts. It was an amazing experience! And by that point all I was thinking was to do better and better so that the following year I could get Superiors. And that's exactly what I did. Now, being a senior in highschool, my passions are still extremely headstrong holding 2 Vocal Superiors from competition in Solo and Ensemble, and awards for "Best Actress in a Musical" and "Best Solo" in theatre arts. I plan to get more achievements in highschool to then get even more in college. My plan is to attend a college that specializes in drama/theatre and of course chorus/vocal arts. I plan to get a Bachelor's degree in musical arts, and find jobs that can take my profession. I plan to further explore my musical knowledge and write music of my own, to perform for millions of people. To close out, music has always been there for me. Everyday I use music to express my emotions. I use performing as my way of letting stress out. And I plan to educate myself as far as I can to truly learn the power music can really hold.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Apr 6, 2025. Winners will be announced on May 6, 2025.