Rosalva (Rosie) Cruz Hernandez, 15, Best Middle School Essay Winner, is from Bonita Springs, Florida. Rosie is an eighth grader at Bonita Springs Middle Center for the Arts. As a sixth grader, Rosie received the Take Stock in Children’s Scholarship which will pay for her tuition to any Florida state college. Rosie has attended and been actively involved with New Horizons of Southwest Florida, an afterschool tutoring and mentoring program, since first grade where she also sings in the Super Kids Choir. Through New Horizons, Rosie has participated in several volunteer activities in her community. Rosie is active in her church and is part of the worship team. Rosie has been on the A/B Honor Roll every semester in middle school. After graduating from high school, Rosie would like to attend Florida Gulf Coast University and pursue a career as a social worker. Rosie wants to be able to help children who have suffered abuse.

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