THREE HARTFORD TEENAGERS OVERCOMING INCREDIBLE ODDS HIGHLIGHT COLLINS FOUNDATION, INC.’S 2009 SCHOLARSHIP CLASS

June 29, 2009

PORTLAND, CT--Four years ago, Na-Tasha Bryan studied under the light of a homeless shelter. Jenicebeth Santiago, a mother at the tender age of fourteen, questioned whether a high school diploma was beyond her reach. Jessica Rodriquez, born to a single mother, spent each day simply praying for the courage and inspiration to beat the overwhelming odds against her.

Today, all three of these exceptional young people have distinguished themselves by their academic excellence and leadership in our community and the Collins Foundation Inc. enjoys the distinct privilege of awarding each of them with a 2009 Power of One Scholarship award.

“Na-Tasha, Jenicebeth and Jessica have overcome incredible odds on their journey to realizing the American dream,” said Gary H. Collins, founder and CEO of the Collins Foundation, Inc. “They were each selected because of their keen awareness that higher education will not only enable them to rise above their circumstances but will eventually empower them to help others in our community.”

Na-Tasha Bryan lived in a shelter with her mother the year she started middle school. With her life reduced to a battle for survival, her life’s ambition was simply to live in an environment without chaos. Dedicated teachers at Harford Public’s Law and Government Academy helped provide her with the skills and determination necessary to change her destiny. Na-Tasha graduated third in her class and aspires to become an attorney or social worker.

Jenicebeth Santiago was first recognized by the Foundation in 2008. The single mother of four year-old boy, Jenicebeth struggled during her final year of middle school with the question of whether her son would be better off if she simply dropped out of school to take care of him. With the support of her family and dedicated teachers, Jenicebeth will be continuing her education at St. Joseph’s College next fall, after which she expects to go to law school.

Jessica Rodriquez overcame the self-doubt that all too often defeats young people from under-serviced communities through the love and support of a united family. Jessica’s adopted father, a drug and alcohol counselor, was instrumental in helping Jessica develop the skills and discipline necessary to succeed—basic skills that she is determined to share with others.

This year’s scholarship class will be honored at a ceremony later this summer.