Photo credit: W Rodriguez Photography
From left: Morgan Bennett, Oscar Latorre Ardon, Fernando Portillo, Travis Collins, Rose Collins, Jaquelin Garcia-Luna, Miangel Rosiles Flores, Leilani Garcia, Iv’Yana Juarez-Olguin, Keren Diaz-Oliva, (not pictured – Iris Escobar-Castro)
COVINGTON, GA — May 7, 2026 — The Newton Education Foundation (NEF) is proud to announce that nine Newton County graduating seniors have been selected as recipients of the 2026 Aspiraciones Más Grandes Scholarship, funded by Rose and Travis Collins. Each student will receive $3,000 to support their first year of college — more than double the scholarship’s typical annual award of four recipients.
The Aspiraciones Más Grandes — “Bigger Aspirations” — scholarship was created by Rose and Travis Collins, Newton County natives, to recognize and support first-generation Latino college students. Inspired by a neighbor whose daughter worked tirelessly to become the first in her family to attend college, the Collins family established the award to provide both financial assistance and meaningful recognition to students who embody that same drive. The Newton Education Foundation administers the scholarship on behalf of the Collins family.
“This year’s applicant pool was truly remarkable,” said Gail Rothman, Executive Director of the Newton Education Foundation. “When Rose and Travis saw the quality and determination of the students who applied, they didn’t want to turn away deserving young people. Expanding to nine scholarships this year is a powerful testament to both the talent in our community and the generosity of the Collins family.”
We believe in the power of perseverance and hard work and are delighted to support these nine students who have demonstrated those traits. We know they will bring that same spirit and work ethic to their college experience.
– Rose Collins
The nine scholarship recipients were celebrated at a reception held on May 4, 2026. NEF board member Wendy Rodriguez, owner of W Rodriguez Photography, generously offered each student a professional headshot session and captured photos throughout the reception — a gift that will serve the students well as they step into college and their professional futures.
Click here to see individual photos and bios of each of these exceptional students.