Scholarship

In commemoration of my late father, Manuel Miguel Fernandez Iturriaga, affectionately known as Manoly, we have established the San Miguel Scholarship.

This scholarship will be annually awarded to a student who exhibits resilience while pursuing the American Dream.

Manuel Fernandez’ Biography 

Who was Manoly Fernandez? Born on April 25, 1960, Manloy came into a world of political unknowns. Just a year earlier, Cuba had been taken over by dictator Fidel Castro leaving the Fernandez family with nothing but memories of once a prosperous, vibrant and free life in Cuba to nothing but fear and oppression. Manoly’s father, Dorindo Hiram Fernandez, known as the very charismatic socialite and savvy businessman of Manzanillo, Cuba was sent to cut sugarcane and forced to leave his wife, Adeliada and three children behind to fend for themselves. 

After 9 years of waiting to leave the country with permission, the Fernandez family found refuge granted by American President Lyndn B. Johnson in La Casa Libertad, located in Miami, Florida. A moment my father Manoly always reminisced on with great gratitude. 

Fortunately, there was already an extended branch of the family in CA who welcomed the Fernandez crew. Before you knew it, with the help of his teachers who he always remembered, Manoly quickly acquired the English language. He found himself doing well in school and truly loved learning. 

Just like his father and all the Fernandez men before him, Manoly had the entrepreneurial bug! He loved the freedom of working for himself. Manoly was a man that as they say feared nothing but fear itself. He opened various businesses and played with real estate. He was a trailblazer/ flag holder who paved the way for all his three children Lizette, Giovanni, and Gizelle. 

Manoly always understood the balance and importance of prioritizing family. He passionately and respectful loved his one and only high school sweetheart, Giuliana. He made time for storytelling not only for his children, but for all his beloved nephews and family members who enjoyed a traditional Sunday family dinner and gathering or excuse for a party. If you had the honor of ever meeting Manoly Fernandez, it is guaranteed he made you feel special, loved, enticed you to think, and for sure laugh! He loved to share ideas. Ideas for the betterment of your family, his family, community and society. 

Manoly Fernandez a man whose legacy will forever be carried on by his 4 amazing grandsons Giovanni II, GianOtto, Hector, and Luciano. We hope that with this scholarship, other children will carry on his virtues and live the FREEDOM of the American Dream Manoly so much believed in. 

Join us in honoring the memory of our beloved father by contributing to the Manuel Fernandez San Miguel Memorial Scholarship Fund. My father instilled in us the belief that education and faith are the two constants in life, beyond the reach of any adversity. Our mission is to empower resilient students navigating life’s challenges. Through this scholarship, we aim to award $5,000 to $10,000 annually to at least one deserving student pursuing their passion and purpose, whether it’s in pilot training, cosmetology, trade skills, arts, chiropractic studies, or traditional academics. Your contribution will ease the financial burden for students pursuing their dreams, ensuring they can focus on their true calling without added stress. Together, let’s make a meaningful difference in the lives of aspiring scholars.

  • Ideal Applicant: Any student with a growth mindset, who has demonstrated resiliency in their life, and wants to seek their passion is deserving of this scholarship. 
  • Award per Winer: $5,000-$10,000 
  • Number of Awards: At least 1 
  • Requirements:  Tell your story of resiliency and aspirations in one of the following medias (we accept it in both English and Spanish): 
  • essay (500 words or less) 
  • visual narrative (video) 
  • song 
  • photography 

All Entries are due by November 1st of each year. The recipient of the year will be announced by April 25th of the following year. Entries must be emailed to [email protected].

Experience a touching moment from Manoly’s childhood journey: At just 9 years old, he stood alongside his father (my abuelo), Dorindo Fernandez, in Silver Lake, CA. Fresh from their exile from communist Cuba, they embarked on a new life in the US. Manoly cherished the kindness of his fourth-grade teacher, who not only taught him English but also left an indelible mark on his heart.
Manoly graduated from John Marshall High School in California. He strongly believed in Education.
My father was my number one cheerleader and confidant. He always encouraged me to believe in myself. Here, he stands by my side on the day I received my Master’s in Administration from St. John’s University in New York
Meet Angelo, a remarkable young man whose passion for aviation shines bright despite battling dyslexia. As the inaugural recipient of our scholarship, Angelo embodies resilience and determination. As a first-generation student, he’s soaring towards his dreams with unwavering ambition!
Denys, our second scholarship recipient, is a first-generation multilingual learner. Raised by a phenomenal single mother, he’s been empowered to pursue his dreams. An honor student with aspirations of becoming a pilot, Denys embodies perseverance and ambition.

Signing Scholarship Certificates!

Meet Tommy, a diligent student and the eldest among his siblings, whose dedication to his studies has yielded remarkable results. As an English Language Learner, Tommy demonstrates proactive engagement and a passion for aviation. In 2023, he was honored as the recipient of our scholarship, a recognition celebrated at the prestigious EMSTALKS 2023 event alongside Legislator Gonzalez in Brentwood, NY!
Shopping Cart
Scroll to Top