As my birthday approaches, I want to keep my sister close in my heart by raising money for a cause that honors her memory.

The Alicia Biros - Waves of Hope Scholarship was created to honor the memory of Alicia Biros, a remarkable woman whose life, which no doubt ended too soon, was defined by her deep commitment to education and mental health of her students. Through her work, Alicia touched countless lives, always encouraging others to grow, heal, and reach their fullest potential. This scholarship, established in her name, seeks to support students who are pursuing careers in education or mental health—fields that Alicia passionately believed were integral to empowering individuals and fostering positive change in the world.

Alicia’s guiding philosophy was simple yet profound: ama te stesso—love yourself. She wanted to believe that self-love was the foundation upon which individuals could build meaningful, healthy relationships and successful careers. Alicia tried hard to embody this belief in her daily life, and no doubt encouraged young minds to take care of their mental and emotional well-being while striving to make a difference in the lives of others.

The Waves of Hope Scholarship aims to carry forward Alicia’s legacy by helping students who share her passion for uplifting others, especially those who are committed to working in education or mental health. By providing financial support, we hope to remove barriers for future leaders in these fields, enabling them to pursue their dreams of making a lasting impact.

About Alicia:

Alicia Biros was not just a mentor and educator she was a compassionate soul who believed in the transformative power of knowledge and emotional well-being. Whether she was teaching, counseling, or offering a listening ear, Alicia always reminded others, especially her students, that their worth was intrinsic and that their journeys mattered. Her message of ama te stesso—to love oneself—served as a reminder that, in order to help others, one must first nurture and believe in their own potential.

Scholarship Purpose and Focus

The Alicia Biros - Waves of Hope Scholarship is designed to support students of Smithfield High School - where her sister and family live and two cherished nephews both attended and attend school - who are pursuing careers in the fields of education and mental health. Alicia’s vision was clear: she wanted to empower those who would go on to inspire and help others. The scholarship is intended to assist students who demonstrate a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others, particularly those from underserved communities, by providing financial support for their studies.

We invite applications from students of Smithfield High School who are pursuing degrees in teaching, school counseling, social work, psychology, therapy, and other related fields that focus on education and mental health.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be enrolled in or planning to enroll in a degree program related to education, mental health, or a closely related field (e.g., psychology, counseling, social work).

• Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to helping others, particularly through education or community service.

• Preference will be given to those who have shown a dedication to working with underserved or vulnerable communities.

Award Amount

The Alicia Biros - Waves of Hope Scholarship will provide financial support to recipients to help cover tuition, books, and other educational expenses. The amount awarded will vary annually based on available funds, but our goal is to ensure that recipients are supported in their pursuit of their academic and professional aspirations.

Selection Process

The selection committee (Alicia’s sister, Malissa, her brother-in-law, Mike and two nephews, Tyler and Ryden) will review applications based on the strength of the personal essay, the applicant’s commitment to the field, and their alignment with Alicia Biros’ core values of compassion, service, and self-love. Recipients will be selected based on their demonstrated potential to make a positive difference in the fields of education and mental health.

The Need for Your Support

Creating lasting impact requires funding. Our goal is to raise at least $2000 to establish a robust scholarship fund that can make a significant difference in the lives of future leaders in the fields of education and/or mental health. Your donation will help provide essential financial support to those who may not otherwise have the means to pursue their dreams.

How You Can Contribute

We invite you to join us in this meaningful effort by contributing to the Waves of Hope Scholarship. Your generosity will make a profound impact on students who are committed to helping others and making a difference in the world.

One-Time Donation: Make a single donation of any amount to support the scholarship fund. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help us reach our fundraising goal.

In addition, your donation will help ensure that Alicia’s spirit of kindness, generosity, and service to others lives on through the next generation of educators and mental health professionals.

Conclusion: Honoring Alicia’s Legacy

By supporting the Alicia Biros - Waves of Hope Scholarship, you are helping ensure that Alicia’s spirit of kindness, compassion, and empowerment continues to inspire future generations. This scholarship is more than just financial assistance; it is a reflection of Alicia’s life and the values she championed. Through your support, we are giving students the opportunity to pursue careers in education and mental health with the same dedication and love that Alicia shared with the world.

In honoring Alicia’s legacy, we continue to spread the message: ama te stesso—love yourself—and in doing so, we can make the world a better place, one person at a time.

We are deeply grateful for your support as we work together to continue Alicia Biros’ legacy of helping others. Through your generosity, we can ensure that waves of hope continue to spread to those in need—just as Alicia did throughout her life.

Thank you for joining us in this important mission. Together, we can create a lasting impact, one scholarship at a time.