More than $7,000 raised for New Beginnings Scholarship Fund

Jan. 23, 2010 • 7:54 pm

Two Capital One-UNO Charter School Network leaders completed the Walt Disney World Marathon on January 10 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida and raised over $7000 for a new scholarship fund for prospective college students.

Hugh Hamilton, president of the board of New Beginnings Schools Foundation finished the 26.2 mile race in 5 hours and 36 minutes; Andre Perry, associate dean of the UNO College of Education and Human Development and chief executive officer of the Capital One-UNO Charter School Network, completed the marathon in 4 hours and 13 minutes. Hamilton and Perry raised over $7000 for the inaugural New Beginnings Scholarship.

Hamilton and Perry created the New Beginnings Scholarship to recognize the graduating seniors of Thurgood Marshall-UNO Early College High School who demonstrate the qualities that predict readiness for college success. New Beginnings Scholarships will be awarded to first-generation college students who plan to attend UNO for their freshman year.

Scholarship recipients must show evidence of those traits shown to predict college success: high academic achievement, perseverance, commitment, peer leadership and positive attitude. Students must also show financial need.

"Running a marathon is a great metaphor for the college experience," Hamilton said. "Students need to do the necessary training and preparation to complete a long and arduous task."

"Academic credentials only get students in the door. Completing college requires personal character and institutional commitment. The scholarship reflects a small part of the Capital One-UNO Charter Network's commitment beyond high school," Perry said.

"We will ask applicants to show evidence of their character," he said. "Running a marathon cannot compare to the tremendous effort required of first-generation college students to complete college. This is a symbolic gesture that we hope will inspire our students."

"We've been training since early spring for this marathon," Hamilton said. "I want our students to see that any goal can be realized with hard work and support."

To make a donation, send a check payable to University of New Orleans Foundation, New Beginnings Scholarship Fund (in memo), to: University of New Orleans Foundation, 2021 Lakeshore Drive, Suite 307, New Orleans, LA 70122.

To view the scholarship fund's eligibility guidelines, visit www.unocharternetwork.net/press/nbsf_scholarship_program_description.pdf.

The New Beginnings Schools Foundation governs the Capital One-University of New Orleans Charter School Network. New Beginnings is responsible for school finances, enrollment, curriculum and staffing. Schools are operated by UNO's College of Education and Human Development. This prekindergarten through high school educational process is designed to provide access and placement in community colleges and UNO.