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Mi Pueblito Mexican Restaurant announces the recipients of the inaugural Mi Pueblito Memorial Scholarship, created to honor the loving spirit and nurturing legacy of the founders' mother, and to support students pursuing careers in hospitality, non-English language, culinary arts, immigration, family studies, or human development.
"We started this scholarship in my late wife's honor because neither of us could afford to go to college when we were young, and we know there are students out there facing the same challenge today," said Randy Cope. "Judy always placed a strong emphasis on education, and it means a lot to support these young people in her memory. All of us on the selection committee believe that helping them pursue their dreams will ultimately benefit the whole community."
After a thoughtful review of applications and interviews, the Mi Pueblito Scholarship Committee awarded a total of $5,000 to six outstanding graduating seniors in Rutherford and Cleveland counties.
Randy Cope explained, "We ended up awarding more scholarships because all of the students seemed so well qualified, and we wanted to support as many as possible."
Scholarship Recipients
$1,000 Scholarships:
Caleb Cox, R-S Central High School
Conley Costner, East Rutherford High School
Luke Young, R-S Central High School
Savannah Finucan, Chase High School
$500 Scholarships:
Ashanti Hardy, East Rutherford High School
Saige Scott, Cleveland County Early College
All recipients attended a check presentation and group photo at Mi Pueblito's Rutherfordton location May 13. "These students each displayed passion, determination, and a commitment to serving others- values that reflect the heart of our mission," said Cindy Cope, co-owner of Mi Pueblito Mexican Restaurants. "We are incredibly proud to help support their journeys."
The 2025 selection committee included Cindy Cop- Co-Founder, Mi Pueblito Mexican Restaurant; Randy Cope- father; Julie Cope Greene- Rutherford County Sheriff's Department; and Louanne McDaniel- Retired RCS Educator.
Mi Pueblito extends heartfelt thanks to all applicants and the local high schools that encouraged their students to apply. The restaurant looks forward to continuing the scholarship in future years to further support the next generation of leaders in our community.
ABOUT MI PUEBLITO: Founded in 1996, Mi Pueblito Mexican Restaurant has served western North Carolina with authentic Mexican flavors and small-town hospitality. With locations in Rutherfordton, Forest City, and Shelby. Mi Pueblito is committed to supporting the community and investing in the future.
For more information visit MiPubs.com.
