The Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship celebrates the life of the endlessly generous Marcus W. Viles. Students applying for this scholarship have an opportunity to engage with Marcus’s legacy of community involvement, out-of-the-box creativity, and unmatched leadership ability.
This year, the teams with Viles & Beckman, LLC and Viles & Beckman Foundation Inc. proudly offer the scholarship’s $2,500 award to Ashley Cruz from Naples, Florida. Cruz received an undergraduate degree from Harvard University and is now a student of law at the University of Florida Levin College of Law.
Getting to Know Ashley Cruz
Ashley Cruz is the first member of her family to receive an undergraduate degree. Her scholarship application essay tells a story about her life as the daughter of undocumented immigrants.
Our scholarship selection committee had the opportunity to read about the risks Cruz’s parents took to have her live in the United States despite the legal risks.
In her own words, Cruz says, “Education is the reason my parents risked their lives to cross a border, the reason they continue to break their backs under a scorching sun, the reason for our American Dream…This college education is for all of us.”
A Long List of Achievements
Cruz’s essay paints a picture of a young woman ceaselessly dedicated to the betterment of her local community. She regularly volunteers with Quest, a nonprofit supporting under-resourced students applying to colleges across the United States. As a volunteer, she helped students edit scholarship essays and often led workshops offering mentorship to in-need attendees.
She views continued education and access to knowledge as “ropes for others to climb,” suggesting that improved access to quality education can help anyone achieve greatness.
Expect More, Receive More: Legal Support That Feels Like Family
TikTok and Community Connections
Cruz’s primary claim to fame comes not from her work with Quest but instead from her work on the popular social media platform TikTok. While at Harvard University, she began sharing stories about her experiences as a first-generation student at one of the most prestigious Ivy League schools in the United States.
Her vlogs grew in popularity as she candidly discussed what life was like for someone in the Latinx community trying to make a mark on the historically-white campus. Her influence was felt far and wide as her peers flocked to her as a community figure.
Sharing Stories With People Who Need to Hear Them
Cruz’s clever use of this social media platform and careful cultivation of a community of like-minded peers show true dedication to the betterment of future generations.
Since sharing her story, she’s received many messages of support, including one follower’s, which reads: “Thank you for representing la Raza, but most importantly, thank you for inspiring me to push myself outside my comfort zone.”
What to Expect from Cruz’s Future
Cruz’s legal education will see her take the Bar shortly after her graduation from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Until then, Cruz intends to pursue her degree with the same dedication that made her stand out on Harvard’s campus. Once she has her legal credentials, she intends to advocate for immigrant families like her own.
In her own words, Cruz says, “I can and will fight …for those who feel powerless. Just like they have told me, I will remind them, ‘Si se puede.’”
Viles & Beckman, LLC and Viles & Beckman Foundation Inc. applaud Cruz’s dedication to a complicated field of study as well as her efforts to uplift her Latinx peers.
Our teams hope Cruz’s clever use of social media platforms can continue to help her support viewers who might not know about the opportunities available to them.
What to Know About the Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship
The Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship celebrates the life of its titular Marcus W. Viles. The scholarship specifically rewards students who display a concentrated commitment to their education and the betterment of their communities.
According to both Viles & Beckman, LLC and Viles & Beckman Foundation Inc., Marcus Viles “was a beacon of hope and inspiration…with a brilliant mind and a generous heart.” Both institutes speak highly of the mark he left on founding members after his passing.
Students applying for the Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarships have the opportunity to draft 1,000-word essays detailing what their communities mean to them. The teams want students to explore their connections to their schools and larger communities with concrete examples of assistantships and volunteer work.
The scholarship promises $2,500 to a student like Ashley Cruz, whose community engagement has actively changed lives despite her young age.
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Viles & Beckman, LLC and Viles & Beckman Foundation, Inc. Applaud Ashley Cruz’s Scholarship Win
Viles & Beckman, LLC and Viles & Beckman Foundation Inc. want to once again congratulate Ashley Cruz on her incredible achievements. Her scholarship essay clearly shows that she’s a stand-out student, community advocate, and devoted daughter.
The team hopes that Cruz can capitalize on her successes to make waves as she pursues her legal education.
Students interested in following in Cruz’s footsteps will soon be able to apply for the Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship.
Call or text (239) 334-3933 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form