17 Oct Keepers of the Flame Scholarship October 2022: Donna Lopez

We’re proud to announce Donna Lopez as this month’s Keepers of the Flame Scholarship recipient. And Donna is keeping the flame burning strong and lighting the torch for others through her own scholarship honoring her sister who passed away from Lupus. Her sister, Milagros Dolores, was passionate about her family and being with them—and she was always encouraging others in the way she knew best, with laughter and comfort. For this reason, last year, Donna chose to establish the Milagros Lupus Survivor Scholarship in her memory.

Donna says, “In Spanish, “Milagros” means miracle—and that is what I hope this opportunity provides to others. The Milagros Lupus Survivor Scholarship will be her legacy of love and help many others who will never have the joy of knowing her to succeed in their education.”

Donna was our very first scholarship recipient last October. She has been working hard to continue her sister’s legacy. That’s why she is so excited to announce this year’s recipient of the Milagros Lupus Survivor Scholarship: Miangelica Rivera-Duncan. Miangelica was Milagros’ eldest daughter, and she has been married to Mira Duncan since July 24, 2015.

Mia, as she is affectionately known to her family and friends, is extraordinary in many loving ways. Mia completed her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice while co-parenting and working full time. She has been a security guard at Horizon on the Hudson elementary school in Newburgh, NY for more than a decade.

Mia is the number one fan of her daughter Thalia Santiago, a Junior at Newburgh Free Academy West (NFAW).  Thalia is a participant in the NFA and Mount St. Mary’s College Nursing mentorship program and formidable Lady Goldback Lacrosse goalie player. In June of 2022, Thalia received an award at her team’s annual banquet acknowledging her 100 saves!  Mia can often be found at the games cheering Thalia on from the sidelines.

Mia and Mira also have an intelligent and enthusiastic kindergartener, Kaleb.  Kaleb loves superheroes, in particular spiderman!

The eldest daughter of the family is Tatianna Santiago, a beautiful young woman with a world of options available and the mother of a beautiful toddler, Arrion.

“I am very proud of Mia and Mira’s family; they are hardworking and very supportive of one another. The loss of their matriarch was devastating to their family and will forever leave a void.  I hope the scholarship further inspires the family to move forward as Milagros would want them all to do.” says Lopez.