Educational Program
The educational program was created in 2001 to encourage academic achievement among the Filipino-American youth. The program provides financial assistance to the Fil-Am college-bound students in their pursuit of higher education. To qualify for the educational grant, an applicant was asked to write a short essay on “What Fil-Am means to me.”

The scholarship recipients and updates on what they are doing now are listed below. Special thanks to Dr. Ching Paig, chairperson of the Educational Committee, for taking the time to research on the whereabouts of the FILAMemphis scholars and collecting some of the submitted essays. Click on the recipients name below (in blue) to read what's on the awardee's mind.

2001
Christina Jupson lives in Austin, TX and works as an advertising executive for the Austin Chronicle, an alternative weekly. She is in her second year at Texas State U working for her Masters in Communication Studies. She and Memphis native, Clinton Kendall got engaged and plan on getting married in Austin. Clinton has a job as a cook at an Austin restaurant, Uchi.

Joshua de Jesus, University of Memphis

Edward Cabigao graduated from UT-Knoxville with a BA degree major in Art History. Previously employed at Brooks Museum, PF Chang and Grove Grill. He was also a restaurant manager at Cal's restaurant. He lives in Memphis at the Highland Terrace area, has two dogs named  Griz and Mimo. He is presently busy renovating/building his new gastropub restaurant at South Main St., slated to open in June 2009. Watch out for S.O.B. (South of Beale).

Charlene Labrador recently graduated from Concorde Institute in Memphis with a degree in Dental Assistant and now working with a local dentist.

2002
Rajesh Joseph Babu graduated from DePaul University in Chicago with a degree in BS Information Systems Technology with a centennial Scholarship. He is currently pursuing a master's degree in IT Project Management (class 2010) while working as systems administrator at Latham & Watkins in Chicago.

Mark Austria is studying nursing at Manila Doctor's College.

Raymond Cabigao graduated from Mississippi State University with a BA degree major in Business Agriculture, minor in Economics and General Business. He is presently employed at Bluff City Steel as Manager of Inside Sales. He also lives in Memphis at the Highland Terrace Area.

2003
Christina Babu graduated with a Bachelor in Music degree from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. She majored in Music Industry/media, and minored in Public Relations. She interned in Publicity at Sony BMG Masterworks and in Marketing Department of the NYC Opera. She has coordinated fundraising dinners in Fashion and Publishing Industries as well as in local Jewish Community. She lives in NYC aspiring to become a freelance publicist while pursuing her masters in Public Relations starting in the Fall 2009.

2004
Charles Tyus Jr. is a sophomore studying Physical Therapy at the University of Memphis

Sarah Terry, University of Memphis

Theresa Knowles will be graduating May 2009 from the University of Memphis with a degree in BSEd major in English and minor in Italian and Theater.

Erica Bone graduated in 2008 from UT-Knoxville with a degree in Journalism and Electronics Media. She was a member of sorority, an ambassador scholar, and an Ignite team leader. She won the Panhelenic sophomore of the year award and was Miss UT-Knoxville Homecoming Queen nominee. She is presently working as Assistant Minister of Campus Ministry for the Diocese of memphis covering Uof M, Rhodes College and UT health Services. She is also the adviser of the St. Ann Bartlett youth group.

2005
Kristine Quon is a senior at the Baptist College of Nursing and will be graduating in May 2009. She is engaged and has a seven month old daughter, Axa Hope Coleman.

Rozzanne Conopio is a senior at the University of Memphis pursuing a Health Management degree. She works at Walgreen as a Pharmacy Tech.

2006
Andrew Cabigao is a junior at the University of Memphis, pursuing a BS Psychology degree. He plans to go to medical school. Andrew has joined the
FILAMemphis Medical Mission for the last nine years. He has been active in the FILAM Youth Group, plays the guitar and the piano. He has composed and recorded several songs. He performs at local bars and benefit concerts.

Kyle Bagay is a junior at the University of Memphis pursuing a degree in BS Chemistry. He plans to further his studies with a degree in Pharmacy.

Mya Santos is a junior at Rhodes College majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She is board certified Pharmacy Tech and currently working at Walgreens. Mya was selected to do internship in Belem, Brazil this summer through CBU program, funded by Minority Health International Research Training. She will do research on Visual Psycho Physics from June-August.

Jim Villocillo is a junior in Computer Science at the Antelope Valley College in Lancaster, CA. He's inclined to be a firefighter when he finishes school.

Raezzelle Conopio is a junior studying Physical Therapy at the University of Memphis. Like her sister, Rozzanne, she is also employed at Walgreen's as a Pharmacy Tech.

2007
Ronni Jupson will be a junior at the University of Memphis majoring in Psychology. She is a member of the University Honors program and the Psychology Honors program where she is assisting in Family Relationship research lab. She works at Starbuck's and volunteers at the Saint Francis Nursing Home. She enjoys decorating, yoga and listening to music.

2008
Meghan Austria is a sophomore studying Nursing at Southwest Community College.

2009
Maria Nicole Paig Manes, 18, graduated from St. Agnes Academy. Nicole is a member of the National Honor Society and a proud recipient of numerous scholarship offers from institutions such as the Catholic University, Washington, D.C.; Marymount College, Arlington, VA; Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA and the University of Memphis. Nicole chose the Memphis College of Art who offered her a four-year $50,000 Trustee Scholarship Award to pursue a degree in Graphic Arts. Besides her passion for art, Nicole loves to dance, sing and listen to music.