Jenkintown's Manor College Valedictorian Earns $40k Scholarship

On Tuesday, May 31, 2016 the Manor College community gathered to celebrate its 2016 Valedictorian, Isla Martinez-Iglesias, who was just awarded the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship. Jonathan Peri, President of Manor College said, “Isla is a model student and has accomplished something exceptional. She is living proof that the people at Manor College are present to offer all the supports necessary so that our students can truly achieve bold dreams.”

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation provides the largest private scholarship in the country to high-achieving two-year college students who have financial need. Out of 2,000 applicants nationwide, this generous scholarship provides 75 top recipients with up to $40,000 per year to complete their bachelor’s degree. Additionally, Cooke Scholars are eligible for graduate school funding after completing their bachelor’s degree. The graduate award provides up to $50,000 per year for up to four years.

Manor Professor and Academic Advisor, Julie Senecoff, commented on Isla’s scholarship saying, “Isla is an exceptional individual. She worked as a peer tutor in the Manor Learning Center and I have personally witnessed the effectiveness of her tutoring in the improved grades of students in my classes who utilize her help. I would say she is among the top 10 students I have had the pleasure to teaching during my 11 years at Manor College.” Isla was also President of Manor College’s Student Senate.

Isla, having graduated from Manor College just three weeks ago, and now conferred with this wonderful debt-free opportunity, has plans to spend her summer volunteering at a free clinic translating for Spanish speaking patients. Come this fall, Isla will be continuing her education at another regional Catholic college, studying biology with plans to become a medical doctor.