The Miami Dolphins Foundation recently announced six South Florida students as this year’s recipients for scholarships from the Nat Moore Scholarship and Vocational Grant Endowment Program. The award offers students—who exemplified community service, leadership, financial need, and a strong academic standing—tuition support toward their college degrees.
Among those selected to receive the scholarship is Stracey Aurelien, a first-year University of Miami student studying health sciences. Aurelien hails from Lake Worth, Florida, and is a first-generation college student.
“Both of my parents are immigrants from Haiti, and they worked really hard to provide for my siblings and me,” said Aurelien, who is the second child of five in her family. “No matter what, they always emphasized excelling in school and staying on top of my academics.”
Aurelien said she worked earnestly throughout high school to be eligible for scholarships that would alleviate the cost of tuition. At Lake Worth Community High School, she was a member of the National Honor Society and the Key Club and a Path to College fellow. She also was a member of several other student organizations and participated in extracurricular activities.
“I’m definitely happy that the Miami Dolphins Foundation chose me to win this award,” said Aurelien. “Of all the students who applied, to be one of six who got the scholarship makes me feel so supported and motivated to achieve my dreams.”
Nat Moore, Miami Dolphins senior vice president of special projects and alumni relations, said that the winners of this award displayed exemplary character and are the future leaders of the community who will one day make an impact in South Florida and the world.
“As stewards of the community it is our responsibility to support the future leaders in their youth by giving them access to gain greater knowledge,” said Moore. “We are so proud to select these outstanding students.”
Now, two weeks into her college studies, Aurelien is proud to be a new student at the University. Upon enrolling she was admitted into the Foote Fellows Honors Program which recognizes the most academically accomplished incoming first-year students. She is also the recipient of the ’Canes Achievement Award merit scholarship. She hopes to continue service in the community through engagement and leadership while pursuing her coursework in health sciences.
According to Aurelien, she has dreamed of attending medical school and becoming a neonatologist since she was young. Being able to pursue her education with the assistance of community partners like the Miami Dolphins Foundation and her own institution puts her one step closer to achieving that goal, she noted.
“My parents are very proud of me for being the first in my family to go to college,” said Aurelien. “I know they’re scared that I’m on my own, but it’s so reassuring for them to know that I have all this financial help and support.”
