JCPenney honors Hispanic Youth Scholars at Univision’s 5th Annual ‘Premios Juventud’.

JCPenney awarded three Hispanic high school graduates each a $15,000 college scholarship for educational excellence during Univision’s “Premios Juventud” live show on Thursday, July 17, 2008. The “Premios Juventud” youth awards program is Hispanic television’s #1 awards show honoring Latin entertainment and pop culture icons as voted on by this country’s Hispanic youth. This year’s show was hosted by Univision novela stars Eduardo Santamarina and Mayrín Villanueva, along with celebrity presenters and entertainers.

JCPenney provided the winning students a star -studded experience including a “spa day” at a local Miami, FL, JCPenney salon complete with hair, make-up and beauty services. In addition, the winners were outfitted by a celebrity stylist who illustrated how they can achieve their own red carpet Back-to-School styles from an array of JCPenney’s new Juniors and Young Men’s lifestyle brands. Each winner showcased their favorite chosen outfit on that evening’s red carpet and awards presentation. The selected winners were judged on their school grade point average, extra curricular activities and an essay on what obstacles they have overcome in their lives.

“JCPenney is passionate about celebrating educational excellence. This is why the company has partnered with Univision’s ‘Premios Juventud’ to highlight the accomplishments of Hispanic youths who are making a positive impact in their communities,” said Olivia E. Vela, multicultural marketing director for JCPenney. “We are pleased to serve as a reminder that dreams are never beyond reach for those with determination, vision and perseverance. We believe that ‘Every Day Matters’ and these winners embody the spirit and energy that brings this statement to life.”

JCPenney Scholarships were presented to:

Cecile M. Vazquez (18 years old), Los Angeles, CA: Athletic Award. The Mexican-American star athlete is pre-med bound, for California State University, Los Angeles, and will enroll in the nursing program this fall, where her scholarship will help finance her ultimate goal of becoming a Doctor in Pediatrics.

Daigelis Rodriguez (18 years old), Miami, FL: Music Award. Born in Cuba, but raised in Florida, Daigelis is passionate about the performing arts and is well known in her community as a soloist and most importantly as a pianist. This fall, she will take center stage at Palm Beach Atlantic University where her scholarship will finance her Bachelor of Arts degree in Piano Performance and a minor in Minister Leadership Skills.

Edwin Hernandez-Otero (17 years old), Puerto Rico: Academia Award. Born in Puerto Rico and raised as a literary artist, Edwin will continue his studies at the University of Mayagüez, where he will utilize his scholarship towards a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Engineering and Mathematics with an ultimate goal of becoming an Astronaut.