Rafael Gonzalez III & Tiffany Gonzalez Motivation to Success Scholarship

Twenty one year old Ralphie Gonzalez was on a path to success. He was the first member of his family to go to college. He was a member of the AWARENESS (Adolescents Working Assisting Restoring Empowering Nurturing Each Student Substantively) Program. In a college essay he described how his involvement in the AWARENESS Program was life changing. He was an avid volunteer and changed others’ lives with his inspirational attitude. Unfortunately two hours after New Years (January 1, 2014), he lost his life in an automobile accident. Family and friends have established this scholarship to honor Ralphie and keep his spirit alive so that he can continue to change lives. This scholarship will be awarded to someone involved in the AWARENESS program. Preference will be given to a student who has also been involved with the Ulster County SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) or who is enrolled in SUNY Ulster’s Criminal Justice or Vet Tech Program. In 2017, Rafael’s sister Tiffany also lost her life prematurely, and her memory and love of animals is honored through this scholarship. Est. 2014.