- June 21, 2025
The 2025 Antonio Amaral Foundation scholarship winners. Courtesy photo
The Amaral family. Courtesy photo
Jose Gonçalves and Maria Elizabeth Frazão Pereira received plaques. Courtesy photo
Joe Carlos Madalena (center) won the round trip to Portugal. Courtesy photo
The Antonio Amaral Foundation celebrated the 19th anniversary of its traditional BPT (Best Party in Town) on May in Palm Coast with over 600 people attending, enjoying food, music and good times.
The foundation awarded 16 scholarships, plus two from a local high school, totaling $31,000, and also honored two members of the community for their extraordinary service to the Portuguese community.
Over the years, the Antonio Amaral Foundation has given out 270 scholarships totaling $446,500 and also provided $71,000 in aid to people in need.
Tony and Maria Amaral awarded Jose Gonçalves with a plaque honoring his service. The plaque says: "In Recognition of Over 15 Years of Dedication to Rancho Folclórico Corações de Portugal. As a Passionate Leader and Cultural Steward your unwavering passion, leadership, and dedication have preserved the beauty of Portuguese tradition — celebrating heritage through dance, music and community spirit, and inspiring generations to take pride in their roots. Presented by the Antonio Amaral Foundation"
Tony and Maria also awarded Maria Elizabeth Frazão Pereira with a plaque honoring her service that says: “Community Communicator Award, In Recognition of your dedicationto sharing News and celebrating the spirit of the Portuguese Community in Palm Coast. Your work as a trusted voice has kept the community informed, preserved our heritage, and strengthened the ties that unite us. Presented by the Antonio Amaral Foundation."
Joe Carlos Madalena was the winner of a round trip to Portugal.
The 2025 scholarship winners:
Elijah James Cordeiro: Graduating from Bartram Trail High School, Elijah will attend Florida State University to pursue cyber criminology with plans to become a criminal lawyer. Elijah was awarded a scholarship in the amount of $1,500.
Andrew John Costa: Currently attending Daytona State College, Andrew is working toward a career as an athletic trainer. Andrew was awarded a scholarship in the amount of $1,500.
Cody Gerard Bertola: Currently attending Daytona State College, Cody is studying criminal justice with plans to transfer to the University of Central Florida to complete his bachelor’s degree. He dreams of becoming a trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol and ultimately an FBI agent. Cody was awarded a scholarship in the amount of $1,500.
Braeden Cristiano Dias: Graduating from Mainland High School, Braeden plans to attend either Stetson University or Indiana University, majoring in criminal justice or forensic science. Described as focused and goal-oriented, he will be the first in his family to attend college. Braeden was awarded a scholarship in the amount of $1,500.
Emily K. Madalena: A student at The University of Tampa, Emily is pursuing a degree in accounting with the goal of becoming a CPA. Emily was awarded a scholarship in the amount of $1,500.
Guillherme De Almeida Cerqueira: Born in Portugal and now attending Aviator College in Fort Pierce, Guillherme is training to become a commercial pilot. He already holds a private pilot's license and is chasing the American dream with purpose and pride. Guillherme was awarded a scholarship in the amount of $1,500.
Christian Armando Azevedo: Graduating from St. Joseph Academy, Christian will attend Florida International University to study finance. A proud first-generation college student, Christian was awarded a scholarship in the amount of $1,500.
Jessica Grace Camacho: Currently playing varsity softball at Eastern Florida State College, Jessica is pursuing early childhood education. Jessica was awarded a scholarship in the amount of $2,000.
Aryanna Lameiro DiFatta: Graduating from Matanzas High School, Aryanna will attend FSU to double-major in management and Latino & Caribbean studies with a focus on immigration law. Aryanna was awarded a scholarship in the amount of $2,000.
Sabrina DaSilva Carvalheira: Attending the University of North Florida, Sabrina is working toward a career in pediatric nursing. Described as relentlessly dedicated, Sabrina was awarded a scholarship in the amount of $2,000.
Trista M. Mendes: At the University of Alabama, Trista is in the prestigious University Fellows Program studying communicative disorders. Inspired by her father’s journey with dyslexia, she is a leader in an ESL program. Trista was awarded a scholarship in the amount of $2,000.
Melinda Ann Misdom: Melinda is graduating from Colonial High School and will attend the University of Central Florida to major in forensic chemistry with a minor in psychology. Her goal is to become a forensic toxicologist, combining science and justice to serve communities. Melinda was awarded a scholarship in the amount of $2,000.
Arielle Maria Yantin: Arielle studies at UCF and has made the Dean’s List while working as a reading tutor. She is exploring careers in speech-language pathology or behavior therapy and hopes to study abroad. Arielle was awarded a scholarship in the amount of $2,000.
Alexander Miguel Camacho: Currently studying biomedical science at UCF, Alexander is preparing for the MCAT with plans to become a pediatric anesthesiologist. Alexander was awarded a scholarship in the amount of $2,000.
Isabella Marie Santos Reis: Isabella is graduating from Matanzas High School and will be attending Daytona State College, beginning her journey as a teacher’s assistant while pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. She is the recipient of the second-highest scholarship award this year, a recognition of both her academic promise and her deep commitment to her community. Isabella is described by her mentors as mature, persistent, intelligent and incredibly kind. She has danced proudly with Rancho Corações de Portugal since moving to Palm Coast. She is a dedicated member of Juventude do PACC, actively participating in cultural events and volunteering behind the scenes. Isabella was awarded a scholarship in the amount of $2,500.
Marissa Nicole Jesus: Marissa is currently attending Daytona State College, pursuing her bachelor’s degree in nursing with the goal of becoming an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), specializing in diabetes and cardiovascular disease. She is the top scholar of this year’s awards, not only for her academic excellence but for her extraordinary commitment to the Portuguese-American community. Marissa is deeply involved in the Portuguese American Cultural Center (PACC) where she volunteers regularly. She serves as a Juventude do PACC Youth Group leader’s assistant, helping to mentor younger members and lead cultural activities. A proud and passionate dancer with Rancho Corações de Portugal, Marissa was awarded a scholarship in the amount of $3,000.
