AKMSF Inaugural Memorial Banquet Slideshow Presentation Below
The first annual Akash Kuruvilla Memorial Scholarship Banquet was held on August 16, 2008 in Jacksonville, Florida. Family and friends gathered for a night of remembrance which paid a tribute to the life of Akash Kuruvilla as well as celebrated the first winners of the annual scholarship.
Our first scholarship recipients exemplify the ideals of the fund, and we are encouraged by their stories.
Fred Roger served five years of active duty in the United States Marine Corps upon graduating from high school. He reached the rank of Sergeant, received numerous awards and achievements from the Marine Corps and was honorably discharged after multiple combat tours to Iraq. In addition to his numerous extracurricular activities, Fred remains committed to his family, including his wife of six years, his three-year old daughter and his younger brother, who he has encouraged to join the Marines. Fred will attend Nova Southeastern University to pursue an undergraduate degree in the Business and Entrepreneurship Program. He plans to start an assortment of businesses with fellow former Marines and friends so that he can provide a good life his family.
Graciela Nobles was burned in a house fire in the Andes of Bolivia when she was only 30 months old and refused to allow obstacles to hold her back. She was transferred to Lima, Peru for medical treatment from Food for the Hungry, and a nurse who worked for the organization adopted her. Graciela began to fundraise for the Foundation for Burns and Trauma at an early age and continues to advocate that cause by attending and speaking at conventions that address burn prevention. Her experience with mission trips to Peru taught her the importance of service to others as she helped clean up parks, paint churches and lay concrete for schools. Although she left her village in the Andes at a very young age, she hopes to find her birth family to thank them for giving her a life she could not have had in Bolivia. Graciela will attend Colorado Christian University and hopes to become a teacher. She also hopes to become a missionary like her mother and help underprivileged children around the world.
Memorial Banquet 2008 | Presentation
After the scholarship winners were recognized, individuals who knew Akash in various capacities shared memories and thoughts about his life. The evening was capped by a touching performance by Mohsin Hussain, Jaime Paredes and Nabil Tahan, Brothers of Sigma Beta Rho Fraternity, and a sentimental slideshow presentation reminded banquet attendees that this scholarship isn't just about the awards that are given to assist young leaders in pursuing their dreams but also a tribute to the life of Akash Kuruvilla.
Click here to read a summary of Akash Kuruvilla's accomplishments.
Click here to read personal statements about Akash Kuruvilla.
