From the Armando Borjas Jr. Scholarship Foundation and Staff Reports
The Armando Borjas Jr. Scholarship Foundation was launched with the core principles that Armando himself represented each day - dedication, self-improvement, and the drive to spread knowledge. Borjas spent 14 years fighting fires and saving lives with the Apopka Fire Department and seven years active duty with the United States Marine Corps.
In 2011, he was diagnosed with stage IV esophageal cancer, which he battled for two years until his death at age 39. In an effort to keep his memory alive, all donations and proceeds from events are put into a memorial scholarship fund in his name. The funds will help send local youth to Fire and EMT schools and carry on Armando's legacy of public service.
And now, a true legacy recipient has emerged to honor the Borjas name.
Adriana Borjas, the daughter of Armando, is a recipient of the Armando Borjas Jr. scholarship. Adriana is pursuing a career as a paramedic.
The Borjas Foundation released the following statement on its Facebook page:
"When we began the Armando Borjas Jr Scholarship 10 years ago, we were just a couple of firefighters mourning the unspeakable loss of our brother, who was quite simply, larger than life. Our dream was to honor and celebrate his life by providing a way for individuals with the same passion and love of the calling to receive the education to become a first responder.
For us, It has been so much more than that. It paved the way through the wilderness of grief and gave us hope, strength, and courage to press on. It has opened opportunities, created lifelong friendships with an unbreakable bond, and has brought healing not only to our Apopka brotherhood but to our brothers and sisters across state and national lines.
It’s difficult to convey to an outsider the challenges we are faced on any normal day, but it’s impossible to convey the magnitude of grief when one of our own is taken from us.
Still, even in all of this, we never could have possibly imagined or anticipated that we would be able to bear witness to the original dream of this foundation coming full circle and reminding us of our WHY.
Our hearts are overwhelmed with pride, joy, and gratitude to everyone who made this foundation what it is today because our latest recipient of the Armando Borjas Jr. Scholarship is none other than Armando’s remarkable daughter, Adriana Borjas. What an extraordinary gift it has been to watch his legacy carried forward by his very own daughter!
We could not be more grateful that we have been able to witness her grow to be the most beautiful reflection of her father. We are so proud of you, Adriana! You are our family forever, and we know how proud your dad has been and will always be of the person you are today! We love you and will continue to walk with you and encourage you every step of the way!!
A special thank you to our friends at Orlando Medical Institute for helping us with making this dream become a reality for Adriana and for their continued support of our foundation!"
