(Photo credit: Byron Spice/Point Foundation)
Point Foundation (Point), presented the annual Miami Minerva Award to Alberto M. Carvalho, superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, during its Miami Cornerstone Reception, Feb. 10, at the Rusty Pelican Restaurant on Virginia Key.
Point is the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) students of merit.
The Minerva Award recognizes leadership and commitment to the South Florida LGBTQ community. Point Foundation presented Superintendent Carvalho with the award because he has proven himself to be both a strong ally to LGBTQ individuals and an example to educational leaders who ensure that schools are always spaces of tolerance and inclusion.
“I am deeply moved and honored to be recognized by the Point Foundation with the Miami Minerva Award for supporting our LGBTQ students, advocating for human rights and social justice on their behalf,” Carvalho said. “I would like to dedicate this award to all educators, counselors, support personnel, and administrators who are there for our kids every single day.
The event also featured the announcement that Miami Beach Gay Pride would fund a scholarship for South Florida LGBTQ youth as part Point’s Community College Scholarship Program.
“Miami Beach Gay Pride is proud to continue our partnership with The Point Foundation as a way of giving back to the community,” said Dave Cook, executive director, Miami Beach Gay Pride. “Thanks to the proceeds from our Angels VIP program, our donation almost doubled last year and we’re excited and humbled to be able to launch the Miami Beach Gay Pride Point Community College Scholarship.”
For the 2017-18 academic year, Point Foundation is supporting 98 scholarship recipients, including three studying at schools in Florida, and three from Florida studying out of state.
“Miami Beach Gay Pride’s generous support of Point’s scholarships and programs sends a message to LGBTQ youth that their community cares about them and about creating a better future for all,” said Jorge Valencia, executive director and CEO of Point Foundation.
For more information about Point Foundation visit www.pointfoundation.org.
