I am so grateful to be the first recipient of Amado & JB Pena’s Art Has Heart Scholarship. It has been an honor to be apart of this organization that supports young artists and continues their creative journey on to college as it did for me.

This scholarship award is truly meaningful to me because it has inspired me to help others by giving back to the community.  I sincerely hope that I will be able to help and encourage other students to pursue their education and career, just as you have inspired me.

As a recipient of the Amado M. Pena, Sr. Endowed Scholarship for the 2016-2017 academic year, I would like to thank you for this support.  Your generosity and contributions toward the continuation of my academic endeavors are highly appreciated.

Instead of working long tiring hours per week, I am able to focus more of my time studying thanks to the Art Has Heart Scholarship.  It's been an enormous help.

I would like to sincerely thank you for your support once again for my scholarship.  I have continued to study theatre and I will graduate this Spring from UNM with a BA in Theatre Studies.  I plan to pursue a professional theatre career and I am grateful for the support of wonderful organizations like yours that continue to encourage art in all forms.  With the reduction of the Lottery Scholarship, your financial support is not only appreciated but essential.  I am especially grateful as an artist because going to school full time and the rehearsal time required to be in shows kept me from working.  THANK YOU SO MUCH!

"My goal is to achieve a career where I can use my passion and talent for film and video editing".

"My career goals continue to be in the medical field.  With the financial support of the foundation, I will continue on my path to achieving my dream".

"As I was holding a crying baby, as part of my volunteer work, I realized my two goals coming  together,  Going to Syracuse University and being a pediatric doctor.  This scholarship will help me achieve both of my long-term goals".

This fellowship will enable me to concerntrate completely on my study as well as to conduct my research without financial concerns.  It will help me be one step closer to achieving my acaemic goal.  Thank you for your support.

"My biggest goal is to become an art teacher and share my passion for art with others".

Again, with this letter, it is my intention to express my deepest gratitude for your investment in my future and the future of higher education.

This scholarship has enabled me to pursue my degree without accumulating any academic debt.  It is such a relief to focus my energies entirely on my studies without any additional finacial stress.  I am grateful for this wonderful opportunity to further my studies at U T Austin.