Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

By age 14, Gerardine H., a Colombian refugee, faced threats from guerillas that forced her family to flee to Ecuador and apply for U.S. refugee status. Now 17, the Oak Ridge High School graduate is pursuing a career in nanotechnology with support from the Sid Román Law Hispanic Student Scholarship.

Pia Román established this scholarship to assist Hispanic refugee students after recognizing their educational challenges while mentoring at Boone High School in Orlando. She observed that many families, like Gerardine's, struggled financially due to parents working multiple jobs, leaving little for college expenses. In collaboration with Catholic Charities of Central Florida’s Refugee Services, Román expanded scholarship eligibility to include Orange County Public Schools students.

Román noted her inspiration came partly from former Pope Francis’ advocacy for immigrants and Pope Leo XIV’s focus on immigrant rights. She remarked on Gerardine's impressive application: “An overall, extremely positive attitude and a go-getter attitude about her, she’s motivated and has goals that she really has taken time to think through, understand, and set for herself.” As an immigrant herself at 13, Román related to Gerardine's experience of adapting to a new culture and education system.

In addition to the scholarship, Gerardine received a $1,000 laptop from Román's husband's firm to aid her studies in engineering nanotechnology. She plans to attend Valencia College before transferring to the University of Central Florida through Valencia’s DirectConnect program and aims for a master’s degree in nanotechnology.

Gerardine's interest in nanotechnology grew after her grandfather died during COVID-19's second wave. She said, “Nano particles are the smallest in existence...From there one can make changes and create all sorts of materials – from creating something small to making a large impact on civilization.” Reflecting on the vaccine development post her grandfather’s passing, she added: “I thought if we were more technologically advanced maybe we would have found a vaccine sooner.”

Eager to start college and work in UCF's nanotechnology lab, Gerardine also continues singing at Holy Cross Parish in Orlando. Her family's faith remains strong; her mother promised daily prayers if they reached the U.S. safely. “It gives us the strength to carry on,” Gerardine said.

Grateful for the scholarship and Catholic Charities' support—particularly Kim Latt from Refugee Services who assisted with English classes—Gerardine is set to graduate with a 3.4 GPA. Latt praised her progress: “While learning English was a challenge for her at first...We couldn’t be more proud to reward and contribute to the academic journey of this outstanding young lady.”