Big news for rising college sophomore Sadie Ortiz! Sadie has been honored with the coveted Larry H. and Gail Miller Enrichment Scholarship covering tuition, fees, room & board and even a textbook allowance for her remaining years at the University of Utah Honors College. What a wonderful reflection of Sadie’s hard work and academic commitment.
What does this award mean for Sadie and her family?
“Winning this scholarship is one of the most exciting things that has ever happened to me and my family. The stress of financial barriers when I entered college no longer exist and I realize that I am truly closer to accomplishing the dreams I have always had. Not only was this scholarship given to me, it was given to my family and the many first generation students to come. They too can dream beyond what people tell us is possible.
"I never truly realized how fortunate I was to attend a school like PCHS. As a senior I sometimes found myself complaining about school without recognizing how great the support system was that had been set up for me and many of my peers.
"The program that really set me up to receive this scholarship was Bright Futures. Bright Futures coordinator-coach Nicole Blumin is one of the best mentors and friends I could ask for. Even though I've graduated from the Park City school system she still reads my essays and reaches out to me to let me know I am not alone in this process.*
"Many people from the University of Utah guided me in order to receive this award, but Ms Blumin played a very large role in helping me be the successful college student I am today. Some told me they didn't see me "making" it at the University of Utah Honors Program, but she has been there cheering me on the whole time.
"I would like to also give a huge thank you to the Park City community for the endless platforms that are given to students like me, and to Carlos Morales for being an amazing mentor at the University of Utah."
Congratulations Sadie! We can’t wait to see what you do in the years ahead!
Sadie recently transferred to the David Eccles School of Business where she is a Transfer Scholar. The Business Scholars Transfer Program combines experiential learning and traditional teaching methods in the classroom with opportunities for personal and professional development.
*Note: The Bright Futures program includes mentorship and coaching from 10th grade through college graduation.
