Burke Student Wins $10K Taco Bell Scholarship

BURKE, VA—A student from Burke is among 300 students nationwide who was awarded a scholarship from the Taco Bell Foundation.

The Live Más Scholarship is designed to help youth and employees pursue their unique passions that may not necessarily fit into the traditional "academic" or "athletic" categories.

The scholarships are awarded to the "next generation of innovators, creators and dreamers," Taco Bell said.
Winners are not chosen based on academic merit, but rather the passion exhibited in a 2-minute video where applicants discuss what they love to do.

Brian Jackson, a Burke resident who goes to George Mason University, won a $10,000 scholarship. He coaches children with disabilities in sports at George Mason University.

"He is studying therapeutic recreation to learn everything he can about the field and bring this knowledge to his coaching," said a statement from Taco Bell. "He strives to create opportunities for these kids as well as their families by being a hero for them through physical activity."

About 8,000 students applied to the Live Más Scholarships this year, which is double the applicants last year, the company said

Scholarships range from $5,000-$25,000 per student and contribute to the Foundation's goal of awarding $10 million by 2022.

Other winners from the area include: Robert Boyd of Alexandria and Pamela Paz of Vienna, who each won $10,000, Mia Rickenbach, who won $10,000 on top of $5,000 previously awarded and Antonio Long of Fairfax, who won $5,000 on top of $5,000 previously awarded.

Additional reporting by Patch editor Cameron Luttrell

Image via Taco Bell